Biodiversity and archaeology

Target 2006/07: Identify 0.5 hectares of land that could be enhanced for improved ecological value in line with Stansted’s biodiversity management plan.
Performance against target: Target achieved

The issue

Stansted Airport is home to a wide range of flora and fauna including great crested newts, skylarks, water voles, deer, pyramid and bee orchids, oxeye daisy, sulphur clover and cowslips. The challenge is to manage the biodiversity we have on site and where development is scheduled, how best to avoid and/or mitigate the impacts on biodiversity.

Airport land is divided into three categories within which different habitats are located:

• Airside grassland which is strictly regulated by the CAA;
• Public areas which are managed by a specialist landscape contractor with extensive experience of the habitats at Stansted; and
• Around 70 hectares of land across the airport managed specifically for ecological value with advice from expert ecologists.

Four of our most environmentally rich habitats include:

• Eastend Wood - a SSSI (site of special scientific interest);
• The Fen - a site of nature conservation interest;
• A wildlife area – a section of wildflower grassland; and
• A habitat creation area – created specifically as a habitat suitable for Great Crested Newts in 1999 /00.

Our approach

To grow and operate our airport responsibly in accordance with good practice principles for business and biodiversity; and to closely manage the impacts of airport activities on flora and fauna.

Stansted Airport’s biodiversity management plan is based on the following:

• Managing and maintaining ecologically rich habitats to sustain biodiversity;
• Maximising efficient land use and avoiding conflict with biodiversity where possible during airport development work;
• Mitigating and/or compensating for impacts on biodiversity where there is no viable alternative through species translocation, habitat restoration or creation; and
• Taking action to reduce indirect impacts on biodiversity through the supply chain and through other environmental initiatives (e.g. wood from sustainable sources and use of recycled materials where possible).

Our performance

A 0.5 hectare area of land adjacent to the M11 has been identified for ecological enhancement. Work to improve this area will commence during 2007. Other activity during 2006/07 focused on conducting a baseline survey of flora and fauna in ecologically sensitive locations namely: Eastend Wood, Hatfield Forest, Hales Wood and the Fen.

Data collected included:

• A botanical survey in Eastend Wood;
• A Common Bird Census (CBC) survey at Eastend Wood, within parts of Hatfield Forest and the control site (Hales Wood1) which analysed the distribution of species;
• An investigation into the water levels and water quality in the Fen;
• A botanical survey in the Fen using quadrat and soil sampling; and
• An evaluation of lake deposits in Hatfield Forest.

1Hales Wood is a national nature reserve situated north east of Saffron Walden. It was selected as a control site as it is not situated near any major road or airport. The final report was published in autumn 2006. If you would like a copy of the report please email: stanstedpublicaffairs@baa.com

The findings show that Eastend Wood is in a favourable condition. Key management activities were identified and implemented in the Fen (eg continued assessment of water levels). Nitrogen assessments show that the values obtained across all sites are in line with those for southern England generally. No significant differences in moss tissue nitrogen were seen between the woodlands which is consistent with uniformly high atmospheric nitrogen deposition in woodlands across the South East of England.

Our plans

The biodiversity baseline report will be followed by further work during 2007 on nitrogen deposition, bird surveys and the condition of the Fen. We will look more specifically at the impacts of changes to air, noise and light pollution on local habitats at these sites and will publish our findings when complete.

Archaeology

Framework Archaeology, who have experience of working at Stansted and other BAA airports, are currently producing a report of archaeological excavations undertaken on behalf of BAA at Stansted over the past few years.

This is a substantial piece of analysis by historical and archaeological experts which is aimed at both amateur and professional archaeologists. The report will identify the history of Stansted from the last ice age onwards. In addition to the published report a CD-Rom will be produced with further information and an interactive GIS (Geographic Information System).

Publication of the report is scheduled for early 2008. An archaeological evaluation has also been conducted by Framework Archaeology on land identified for the development of a second runway at Stansted.

Field walking and trial trenching of 243 hectares of land has been conducted by a team of 35 archaeologists. Preliminary analysis indicates that the earliest occupational evidence dates to the Bronze Age (c.1200-800BC). The findings of the archaeological evaluation will form part of the Environmental Statement
accompanying the second runway planning application.