Hopeful news for Grimsby swifts/ house sparrows

Sadly just because  a planning condition is imposed doesn't mean the nest bricks/boxes will be installed.

From experience, I know these things tend to be overlooked when construction gets underway.

Also planning officers invariably fail to identify how many boxes need to be installed - and the specific location on the building. As a result,  the contractor/ sub-contractor is left in limbo.

Vigilance is therefore vital.

Re these particular docks buildings, I think they are part of what is known as the 'Kasbah' . As far as I can recall (but I may be wrong), there is currently public access to this part of the docks estate.

On the general point, I have been on public Open Days to both Grimsby and Immingham ports.

I was impressed with the number of waders each time so wrote to ABP, asking if I could have a permit but received no reply.  I should have chased up the matter but I let it lapse.

Someone later told me that someone (identity unknown) does already monitor the birds of both ports and they don't want too many birders on site.

However, I will contact ABP again - on behalf of the LBC - and see if I can get a response.

It would be good, too, if the birds of the ABP patch of scrubland adjacent to the sea wall north of Grimsby Town FC's  Blundell Park could be monitored. Over the years, it has had its share of unususal migrants - eg bluethroat, black redstart and r-b shrike. But it has been palisade-fenced off to the public for the past five or so years. 

That's a shame. In my view, seeing unusual birds on industrial sites is particularly bracing - more so than in tranquil beauty spots or on dedicated reserves.

Incidentally, Phil, I had what may have been a similar experience to you when I turned up at the entrance to one of the Grimsby docks a couple of winters ago. I hoped I might see a diver, rare grebe, l-t duck or smew. But security turned me away. 

I recall the morning well - bitterly cold and freezing drizzle. I'm still not fully  thawed  out!

Do you know how any of us would be allowed entry to the docks to monitor the swifts and indeed monitor all the birds in the docks, Jim? I asked at the gate some 9 months ago to be allowed in but was refused.

A planning condition has been imposed that North East Lincolnshire Council must install swift and/or sparrow 'nesting units' as part of a proposed renovation of derelict buildings on Grimsby Docks. I'm not sure what the current breeding status is of either species on the docks.