Hyde Park is one of only a few ‘Sites of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation’ in central London. It is also a regular venue for hosting large-scale events such as Winter Wonderland. Hundreds of thousands of people visit annually — the high-quality natural environment in the park is a large part of its appeal. In recent years, a number of formerly common breeding species in the park have undergone significant declines and several may now be extinct. For example, flocks of house sparrow numbering in their 100s were frequent in the 1960 and 1970s, but today sighting a single sparrow in the park is a rarity.
It is against this context that objective assessment of ecological impacts and the design and implementation of appropriate mitigation is essential if Hyde Park’s nature conservation value is to be maintained in balance with its importance as a venue for hosting events. The Winter Wonderland event has grown considerably over recent years and now represents a major visitor attraction. The event is themed on a festive Bavarian village with traditional handicraft stalls and eateries, in addition to a large Ferris wheel, ice skating rink and numerous fairground rides.
LUC carried out an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, a bird survey and a detailed assessment of the bat roost potential of all trees across the Winter Wonderland event site and surrounding parkland. In addition we conducted a baseline survey of light levels in the park and a survey of lighting associated with Winter Wonderland.
Using this information we were able to advise on suitable mitigation measures. One such measure included the mapping of ‘Sensitive Wildlife Areas’ and trees with high bat roost potential. The event organiser then committed to avoiding any illumination of these features beyond pre-agreed lux thresholds based on published data.
A key element of this role was mediating the requirements of the events company with those of the Royal Parks Agency to produce a workable mitigation plan. Considering the decline of wildlife populations, any sort of development in an area such as Hyde Park could be resisted. However it is important to provide cultural attractions which people enjoy, to exploit all viable income streams, and above all to consider the purpose of the park — peoples’ enjoyment of the natural environment.
With these points in view, weighing up potential impacts and attempting to develop meaningful and effective mitigation without significantly compromising the possibility of holding winter events in the park was a real challenge. We were pleased to have delivered a workable plan that led to a highly successful winter event taking place with assurance for the Royal Parks that it would not adversely affect the Park’s high-quality environment.
