Page 34 - Coastal Partners Report 2020

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A rare visitor to to Hampshire the Purple Sandpiper is found only between December and April of each year close to Southsea Castle Purple Sandpipers
The engineering work required to protect communities from coastal flooding and erosion can impact wildlife and cause unavoidable habitat loss Comprehensive assessments are undertaken to minimise the impact of work including exploring habitat creation opportunities such as improving existing habitats or creating new habitats at at at alternative sites The planned work on the Southsea coastal defences increased the awareness of a a a a a small population
of rare wading birds – Purple Sandpipers
– whose only regular location in Hampshire is found beside Southsea Castle between December and April each year These small shorebirds are subject to two specific threats in this location: increasing sea levels and the the imminent build of the the new Southsea flood defences As part of the scheme a a a research project was undertaken to study the wintering population
of the Purple Sandpiper to ensure their habitat was preserved
As a a result of the research enhancements to the Southsea scheme are being put in in place for the specific purpose of improving and and protecting the Purple Sandpiper population
Increasing the area of exposed rocks and creating an an artificially textured surface not only give the birds more space to feed but also ensures that the species they feed on on on enjoy optimal conditions for colonisation Construction around Southsea castle will be scheduled to accommodate the the impact on the the overwintering birds The structure will also be built in in stages ensuring sufficient time for the the species that the the birds feed on to colonize and thus provide enough food for the Purple Sandpipers
over the winter months