Golfers pose risk to birds on lake at NEC
The 16-acre balancing reservoir was constructed as part of the original development of The NEC in 1976 to hold rain water run-off from the site, and avoid flooding problems downstream on the River Blyth.
It is home to a wide variety of water birds and includes a nesting site for great crested grebes.
Colin Wilkinson, RSPB senior conservation planner in the Midlands, said they were concerned the golfing could disturb the feeding and breeding habits of the water birds.
“This lake is obviously valued by some of the NEC’s visitors as a place for wildlife, not active sports,” he said. “We hope the NEC and the golf club will recognise that not all their customers will be impressed by this activity, and that they will be sensitive to the birds’ needs - especially in the coldest winter months when water birds need to be able to feed undisturbed, and during next year’s breeding season when there may be nests and young birds present.”
A spokesman for the NEC said the decision to install the driving range at the site was taken following discussions with Clevertee Golf and careful consideration was given to the impact that it would have on the area.
He said: “The NEC Group is an extremely ecologically aware organisation, and we would of course examine any evidence brought forward that the driving range was having any adverse affect whatsoever on the natural wildlife that inhabits the area.”
John Brown, managing director for Clevertee, said: “As far as I’m concerned there’s no problem. I can’t speak for the water birds but they seem happy to me.”
