Ailsa Wharf 2022 : Further Supplementary Environmental Statement Addendum

Appendix 4 Outline Landscape and

Ecological Management Plan
Ailsa Wharf

Outline Landscape and Ecological

Management Plan
Risland Holdings

02 June 2023
Ailsa Wharf
Outline Landscape and Ecological Management Plan

Document Control

Client: Risland Holdings

Principal Contact: Dave Rickell

Project Number: 12149C

Prepared By: Alexandra Jackson (Senior Ecologist)

Document No. 12149C-R01-01-F

Date: 2 June 2023

Reviewed by: Craig Brookes (Principal Consultant)

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Ailsa Wharf
Outline Landscape and Ecological Management Plan

Contents
1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................3
1.1 Project Background ............................................................................................................................. 3

1.2 The Site ................................................................................................................................................ 3

2 Legislation and Policy Summary.............................................................................................5

3 Baseline Conditions ...............................................................................................................6

3.2 Designated Sites .................................................................................................................................. 6

3.3 Baseline Habitats ................................................................................................................................. 6

3.3.1 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal 6

3.3.2 River Wall Ecological Assessment 6
3.3.3 Further Survey 7
3.4 Potential Ecological Constraints .......................................................................................................... 7

4 Landscaping and Post-Construction Habitats .........................................................................9

4.2 Intertidal Terraces ............................................................................................................................... 9

4.3 Tree Planting...................................................................................................................................... 10

4.4 Proposed Hedge Planting .................................................................................................................. 11

4.5 Proposed Shrub and Herbaceous Planting ........................................................................................ 13

4.6 Native Wetland Planting.................................................................................................................... 13

4.7 Biodiverse Roof Planting.................................................................................................................... 14

4.8 Amenity Grass Planting ..................................................................................................................... 15

5 Management and Monitoring.............................................................................................. 15

5.1 Responsibilities .................................................................................................................................. 15

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1 Introduction
1.1 Project Background
1.1.1.1 Logika Consultants Ltd. (‘Logika’) has been commissioned by Lichfields on behlaf of Risland
Holdings to produce an Outline Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (OLEMP) for
the redevelopment of Ailsa Wharf, East London (hereafter referred to as ‘the Site’).
1.1.1.2 The OLEMP will provide guidance on maintaining new areas of planting within the grounds
of the new development. This report has been produced in accordance with BS 42020:
2013 Biodiversity: Code of Practice for Planning and Development.

1.2 The Site

1.2.1.1 Ailsa Wharf is a major new residential development on 2.4ha of former industrial land
located in the Lower Lea Valley, along the River Lea in East London. The Site is bounded by
industrial sites to the north, the River Lea to the east, Lochnagar Street to the south, and
the Blackwall Tunnel Northern Approach (A12) to the west. The river wall extends along the
length of the eastern boundary of the Site and is approximately 195m in length (see Figure
1-1).

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Figure 1-1 Site Plan

Imagery: @2023 Bluesky, Getmapping plc, Infoterra Ltd and Blueksy, Max Technologies, The GeoInformation Group.
Map Data: @2023 Google Maps

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2 Legislation and Policy Summary

2.1.1.1 In England, specific habitats and species receive legal protection under various pieces of
legislation. The protective legislations of relevance to the Site include:
• National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, 2021)1
• The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended)2
• The Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) 1981 (as amended)3
• The Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 20004
• The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006 (as amended by
the Environment Act 2021)5.

1 Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government. National Planning Policy Framework.
2021https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1005759/NPPF_July_2021
.pdf
2 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. Available at:

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/1012/contents/made
3 Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 c.37. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/37/contents
4 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 c.69. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/69
5 The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 c.16. Available at:

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/16/contents

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3 Baseline Conditions
3.1.1.1 The Site was assessed in 2021, by Wardell Armstrong to inform the Ecology Chapter of the
updated Environmental Statement (Chapter O)6, with further assessment in 2022 by Logika7
and 2023 by Carcinus8. These reports were reviewed to inform the baseline for this report.

3.2 Designated Sites

3.2.1.1 Wardell Armstrong undertook a search for designated statutory sites for nature
conservation using the Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC)
9website and review of existing available information provided by eCountability in

partnership with Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL).

3.2.1.2 The results of the data search indicated:
• Two internationally designated sites; Lee Valley Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar,
7km north and Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation, 6.5km north.
• Two Local Nature Reserves (LNR) within 2km.
• Nine Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). The closest being London’s Canals/
River Thames and tidal tributaries/ Lea Valley, adjacent to the Site in the east.

3.3 Baseline Habitats

3.3.1 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
3.3.1.1 Wardell Armstrong undertook a PEA of the Site in June 2021. At the time of the survey,
clearance work had already begun, and the majority of the natural/semi natural habitat
previously present within the Site boundary had been removed. All that remained were
isolated stands of ruderal species, buddleia Buddleja davidii, and three built structures
which were proposed for demolition in the weeks following completion of the site visit.
3.3.1.2 The Site was assessed as having negligible ecological value, due to the absence of any
ecological features and supporting habitat for notable or protected species.
3.3.2 River Wall Ecological Assessment

6 Ecological Impact Assessment. Ecology Chapter O, Ailsa Wharf 2022: Environmental Statement, January 2022. Wardell Armstrong.
7 Ecological Impact Assessment. Ecology Chapter O, Ailsa Wharf 2022: Further Supplementary Environmental Statement, January
2023. Logika Consultants.
8
Aquatic Ecology Chapter, Ailsa Wharf 2023: Further Supplementary Environmental Statement, April 2023. Logika consultants.
9 Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC). Available at: www.magic.gov.uk

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3.3.2.1 In November 2022, Logika surveyed the river wall, which is present along the eastern
boundary, and is to be replaced as part of the development proposal.
3.3.2.2 The majority of the top of the river wall was covered with native and non-native ruderal
species commonly associated with derelict land in urban areas and was dominated by
bramble Rubus fruticosus and buddleia. Forb species were also present including black
nightshade Solanum nigrum, pellitory-of-the-wall Parietaria Judaica, narrow-leaved
ragwort Senecio inaequidens, red velerian Centranthus ruber, Geranium sp. and Cleavers
Galium aparine.
3.3.2.3 The riverside, vertical section of the wall was relatively clear of vegetation, due in part to
the tidal nature of the River Lea. However, some of the bramble and buddleia extended
their reach onto this vertical section and there was also a covering of bryophytes that
extended down the vertical edge of the wall.
3.3.3 Further Survey
3.3.3.1 Aquatic ecology surveys undertaken by Carcinus covered the foreshore of the River Lea and
the river wall, and in-channel habitats in March 2023.
3.3.3.2 Benthic habitats adjacent to the river wall were sampled and observed to consist mainly
soft mud habitats, characterized by low-diversity, high abundance communities, often
having large populations of one or two species. Laboratory analysis confirmed in-field
observations.
3.3.3.3 No faunal species were recorded on the river wall.
3.3.3.4 No evidence of WCA Schedule 5 protected fauna or Schedule 9 legally controlled species
were recorded during the survey visits, or via laboratory analysis.

3.4 Potential Ecological Constraints

3.4.1.1 Ecological features, present within the Zone of Influence and considered within the ES are
shown in Table 3-1, below.
Table 3-1 Evaluation of Ecological Features

Ecological Receptors Nature Conservation Value Justification

London’s Canals/
River Thames and Existing designation adjacent to the proposed
County Value
tidal tributaries/ Lea development.
Valley SINC

Bats Local Value Common bat species were recorded within the desk
study. It is likely that bats will still use the River Lea

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as commuting and foraging habitat. There is no

roosting or foraging habitat on-Site.

Birds were recorded within the desk study and

common species were observed using the Site. Birds
Breeding birds Local Value could still be nesting on site on habitat along the
river wall during the breeding bird season (March –
August, inclusive).

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4 Landscaping and Post-Construction Habitats

4.1.1.1 Landscaping is proposed within the Site10 and along the river wall 11to enhance biodiversity
and to provide a range of resources for locally occurring wildlife.
4.1.1.2 All new planting should be sourced from local nurseries. The following habitats are to be
created:
• Intertidal terracing
• Tree planting
• Hedge planting
• Proposed shrub and herbaceous planting
• Native wetland planting
• Biodiverse roof planting
• Amenity grassland

4.2 Intertidal Terracing

Objectives
4.2.1.1 Intertidal terracing will be installed upon the newly strengthened river wall in-line with the
estuary edges project guidelines12. The objectives for the intertidal terraces at the Site are:
• To establish a multi-functional intertidal habitat using a native mix of locally occurring
inundation tolerant species; and
• Maintain a healthy and diverse intertidal terrace improving contribution to the landscape
structure, biodiversity, food sources for wildlife, and amenity value.

Implementation
4.2.1.2 Native plant mixes, of varying size, are to be installed within the newly created intertidal
terracing and will include:

10 Combined Hard and Soft Landscape General Arrangement (Sheets 1-4)

AIL-FAB-ZZ-00-PL-L-92001-P01, AIL-FAB-ZZ-00-PL-L-92002-P01, AIL-FAB-ZZ-00-PL-L-92003-P01, AIL-FAB-ZZ-00-PL-L-92004-P01
Combined Hard and Soft Landscape Roof Plan (Sheets 1-4)
AIL-FAB-ZZ-00-RP-L-92001-P01, AIL-FAB-ZZ-00-RP-L-92002-P01, AIL-FAB-ZZ-00-RP-L-92003-P01, AIL-FAB-ZZ-00-RP-L-92004-P01
11 Landscaping Planting Plan – 12149b-30-C01-01
12
Estuary Edges Case Studies Available at: Case Studies - Estuary Edges - The Thames Estuary Partnership

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• Mix 1 – A total of 75 Common reed Phragmites australis plugs will be planted along the
north-western end of the intertidal terrace, with a planting density of 3 plants per square
meter.
• Mix 2 – 14 marsh mallow Althaea officinalis, and 88 each of sea aster Aster tripolium and sea
purslane Atriplex will be planted along the south-western end of the intertidal terrace, with
a planting density of one plant per metre and 13 plants per metre, respectively.
• Mix 3 – 264 each of sea aster and sea purslane will be planted along the south-eastern end
of the intertidal terrace, with a planting density of 13 plants per metre.
4.2.1.3 Plug planting will be undertaken during the spring or autumn to provide optimal conditions
for the establishment of the intertidal terrace.
4.2.1.4 Seed is best sown in the autumn or spring but can be sown at other times of the year if
there is sufficient warmth and moisture.
4.2.1.5 Plants of different species within a mix should be evenly distributed and not planted in
single species groups.

Management and Monitoring

4.2.1.6 Management and aftercare measures include:
• Where not frequently inundated, water as necessary between April and September in the
first two years to aid establishment, then water in subsequent years in times of drought.
• Any poorly established plant/seed mix areas are recommended to be re-sown in April/May
and September/October.
• Rubbish, debris, and surface leaf litter should be removed and disposed of appropriately off-
Site.

4.3 Tree Planting

Objectives
4.3.1.1 The objectives for the tree planting at the Site post-development are to increase the
species diversity and provide foraging habitat to birds and invertebrates. Management
objectives for the tree habitat are:
• Ensure satisfactory establishment and growth of new planting; and
• Maintain planting in a healthy and attractive condition, to retain their contribution to the
landscape structure, biodiversity, food source to wildlife, and amenity value in accordance
with BS3998:2010.

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Implementation
4.3.1.2 No detailed planting plan is currently available, but native species or those known to be
beneficial to wildlife, should be used where possible.
4.3.1.3 A mixture of sapling whips and root-ball standards will be used to aide establishment and
provide increased opportunity for wildlife.
4.3.1.4 All tree planting will be undertaken in accordance with BS 8545:2014 “Trees: from Nursery
to Independence in the Landscape – Recommendations” 13and as per the supplier’s
instructions.

Management and Monitoring

4.3.1.5 Management and aftercare measures include:
• Any trees that fail to establish in the first five years will be replaced with the same species in
the next available planting season.
• Water as necessary between April and September in the first two years, then water in
subsequent years in times of drought.
• Any trimming works will avoid the main bird nesting season (March – August inclusive). If
works cannot be undertaken outside of this period, then nesting bird checks should be
carried out prior to any works and non-mechanical hand tools should be used. Works should
stop if any nesting birds are found during checks until a suitably qualified ecologist assesses
the situation. Work may need to cease until nesting has been completed, and chicks have
left the nest.
• Trees should be inspected annually by the management team during the winter to check for
disease, and damage. Any remedial works should be completed in accordance with BS
3998:2010 - Tree work - Recommendations14.

4.4 Proposed Hedge Planting

Objectives
4.4.1.1 The objectives for the hedge planting at the Site are:
• Ensure satisfactory establishment of plant / seed mixture; and

13 BSI Standard Publications (2014) BS 8545:2014 Trees: from nursery to independence in the landscape – Recommendations
14 BSI Standard Publication (2010) BS 3998:2010 Tree work. Recommendations

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• Maintain a healthy and attractive condition and to retain their contribution to the landscape
structure, biodiversity, food sources for wildlife, and amenity value.

Implementation
4.4.1.2 No detailed planting plan is currently available, but native locally occurring species or those
known to be beneficial to wildlife, will be used where possible. This may include for
example:
• Field maple Acer campestre
• London plane Platanus x hispanica
• Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna
• Blackthorn Prunus spinosa
• Elder Sambucus nigra
• Alder buckthorn Frangula alnus
4.4.1.3 Planting will be undertaken between October and April, in line with best practice.

Management and Monitoring

4.4.1.4 Management and aftercare measures include:
• Plants will be watered during periods of low rainfall if they show signs of drought stress.
• Light, regular, trimming of the hedgerows in their early years will encourage dense, bushy
growth, therefore, newly planted hedgerow plants will be cut back once a year for the first
three years. Established hedgerows will receive less frequent management.
• Any plants that fail to establish in the first five years will be replaced with the same species
in the next available planting season to prevent gaps developing.
• Any trimming works will avoid the main bird nesting season (March – August inclusive). If
works cannot be undertaken outside of this period, then nesting bird checks should be
carried out prior to any works and non-mechanical hand tools should be used. Works should
stop if any nesting birds are found during checks until a suitably qualified ecologist assesses
the situation. Work may need to cease until nesting has been completed, and chicks have
left the nest.
• Hand weeding should be completed four times, March-October inclusive, during the first
year, reduced to bi-annually by year three. Following this weeding will be completed as
necessary.
• Litter will be removed from shrub beds as part of general site maintenance.

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4.5 Proposed Shrub and Herbaceous Planting

Objectives
4.5.1.1 The objective for shrub planting at the Site post-development is to increase the species
diversity and provide foraging opportunities for birds and invertebrates. Management
objectives for the ornamental planting are:
• Ensure satisfactory establishment and growth of new planting.
• Maintain planting in a healthy and attractive condition, to retain their contribution to the
landscape structure, biodiversity, food sources for wildlife, and amenity value.

Implementation
4.5.1.2 No detailed planting plan is currently available, but native species or those known to be
beneficial to wildlife, should be used where possible.
4.5.1.3 Planting will be undertaken between October and April, in line with best practice.

Management and Monitoring

4.5.1.4 Management and aftercare measures include:
• Any shrubs that fail to establish in the first five years will be replaced with the same species
in the next available planting season to prevent gaps developing.
• Plants will be watered during periods of low rainfall if they show signs of drought stress.
• Hand weeding should be completed four times, March-October inclusive, during the first
year, reduced to bi-annually by year three. Following this weeding will be completed as
necessary.
• Litter will be removed from shrub beds as part of general site maintenance.

4.6 Native Wetland Planting

Objectives
4.6.1.1 The objective for native wetland planting are:
• Ensure satisfactory establishment and growth of new planting.
• Maintain planting in a healthy and attractive condition, to retain their contribution to the
landscape structure, biodiversity, food sources for wildlife, and amenity value.

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Implementation
4.6.1.2 Seed is best sown in the autumn or spring but can be sown at other times of the year if
there is sufficient warmth and moisture.
4.6.1.3 Further details will be dependent on seed mix used.

Management and Monitoring

4.6.1.4 Management will be dependent on seed mix used, but general aftercare measures include:
• Any plants that fail to establish in the first five years will be replaced with the same species
in the next available planting season to prevent gaps developing.
• Plants will be watered during periods of low rainfall if they show signs of drought stress.
• Litter will be removed from shrub beds as part of general site maintenance.

4.7 Biodiverse Roof Planting

Objectives
4.7.1.1 The objectives for the green roofs at the Site are to:
• Ensure satisfactory establishment of green roof species.
• Maintain healthy and diverse green roofs with structural diversity.

Implementation
4.7.1.2 Roof preparation prior to planting should follow the supplier’s instructions. General
recommendations include:
• All surfaces should be cleared of debris and waterproof membrane installed.
• The roof should be secured from damage and wind uplift.
• Ensure seed mix is distributed evenly.

Management and Monitoring

4.7.1.3 The roof should be inspected and maintained as per manufacturer’s instructions. General
management and aftercare measures include:
• Any areas that fail to establish in the first five years will be replaced in the next available
planting season to prevent gaps developing.
• Plants will be watered during periods of low rainfall if they show signs of drought stress.
• Any self-colonised, vigorous species such as Buddleja sp. should be removed.
• The roof should be inspected for wasp nests, and these removed when appropriate.

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• Litter will be removed from shrub beds as part of general site maintenance.

4.8 Amenity Grassland

Objectives
4.8.1.1 The objectives for amenity grass planting are:
• Ensure satisfactory establishment and growth of new planting.
• Maintain planting in a healthy and attractive condition, to retain their contribution to the
landscape structure, biodiversity, food sources for wildlife, and amenity value.

Implementation
4.8.1.2 Seed is best sown in the autumn or spring but can be sown at other times of the year if
there is sufficient warmth and moisture.
4.8.1.3 Further details will be dependant on seed mix used.

Management and Monitoring

4.8.1.4 Management will be dependent on seed mix used, but general aftercare measures include:
• Re-sowing areas where planting fails, within the first five years, within the next available
planting season to prevent gaps developing.
• Grass will be watered during periods of low rainfall if they show signs of drought stress.
• Litter will be removed from shrub beds as part of general site maintenance.

5 Management and Monitoring

5.1 Responsibilities
5.1.1.1 During the construction phase, the construction team will be responsible for ensuring that
best practice measures have been followed to ensure no legally protected species are
harmed. The Site manager should call an ecologist for support or advice when required.
5.1.1.2 The construction team will ensure the landscaping scheme is implemented as specified on
the landscaping plans, following the directions within this document and subsequent
documents, and as per supplier’s instructions.

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5.1.1.3 Once the construction is over, the sole responsibility for management and monitoring will
be on the buildings management. It is expected that a landscape management team would
undertake day to day works as required to maintain the Site. Record keeping should be
undertaken by the property manager of any works required to meet the subsequent LEMP,
such as replacing planting failures, so that if repeat problems arise a new solution can be
agreed upon.
5.1.1.4 Table 5-1 below, details the ongoing management programme.

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Table 5-1 Ongoing Management Programme

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5+

General All litter cleared during each maintenance visit, and in response to any reported littering.
Tree, hedge and shrub Water new trees/shrubs weekly Water if showing signs of drought stress.
planting between May and September should
two weeks pass without rainfall.
Inspect trees annually in September and replace dead, removed, damaged or diseased trees in the next available planting
season.
Remove dead wood where necessary. Any trimming works should avoid the main bird nesting season (March – August
inclusive) as far as practicable.

Maintain new planting weed free by Maintain new planting weed free by hand Maintain new planting weed free by
hand pulling (March – October, pulling (March – October, inclusive), two hand pulling (March – October,
inclusive), four times per year. times per year. inclusive), once per year.

If planting structure is poor, replant / reseed failures with the same species mix in the next available planting season.

Intertidal terraces Water weekly between May and September should two Water if showing signs of drought stress.
weeks pass without inundation or rainfall.

If planting structure is poor, reseed with the same species mix in the next available planting season.
Native Wetland Planting Water weekly between May and September should two Water new trees weekly between May and September
weeks pass without rainfall. should two weeks pass without rainfall.

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If sward structure is poor, reseed with the same species mix in the next available planting season.
Amenity grassland
Water weekly between May and September should two Water new trees weekly between May and September
planting
weeks pass without rainfall. should two weeks pass without rainfall.
Inspect and maintain the roof and wall as detailed in the manufacturer’s schedule.
Remove any self-colonised, vigorous species such as Buddleja sp.
Green roof
Inspect for wasp nests and remove when appropriate.
If sward structure is poor, re-place plants in the next available planting season.

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