The Redbridge Cycling Centre provides a replacement facility for the Eastway Cycle Circuit which was lost to make way for the Velopark in the Olympic Park, Stratford. The new cycle circuit was the first physical piece of the 2012 Olympic legacy in London to be completed, having been opened by the Mayor of London in 2008.
Surveys undertaken by LUC ecologists across the site included for reptiles, great crested newt, bats and badgers. The information collected enabled LUC to advise the London Development Agency on an appropriate mitigation strategy to enable works whilst avoiding adverse impacts upon these species. We carried out mitigation under Natural England licences held by LUC for badgers and great crested newt, and undertook a large scale translocation of great crested newt and reptiles across the site.
We enhanced a wildlife area in the centre of the site to provide a new home for any animals caught whilst works proceeded, created hibernacula (log, rubble and earth mounds) and carried out wildflower sowing and pond management. We implemented measures to minimise programme implications as far as possible whilst meeting protected species obligations, such as phased trapping, maximising capture effort and habitat manipulation.
Whilst providing a first class sporting facility, with a state-of-the-art pavilion and 2km of road circuit and off-road trail, the site will also provide valuable wildlife habitat, with a wildlife area to be maintained in the centre of the site specifically for great crested newts. Landscaping across the entire site and long-term management proposals will provide and maintain high quality wildlife habitat for birds, amphibians and reptiles.
To facilitate the delivery of nature conservation objectives (alongside recreation and amenity objectives) we produced an Outline Management Plan for the site managers, and LUC ecologists are monitoring the status of the great crested newt population.
This was a demanding project, with tight deadlines at the mercy of weather conditions, however the completed facility is exceptional and will become more so as the site develops and matures over time.
For more information about the London Development Agency, go to www.lda.gov.uk
