Sailing on reservoirs and its effects on water birds

Abstract

There is increasing pressure to develop many existing water spaces in Britain for recreational activities. This trend will increase disturbance to water bird populations. This paper considers these problems and suggests the sorts of information which are needed for formulating multi-purpose amenity plans for water spaces, where a conservation interest exists. The study at the Brent Reservoir in north-west London has shown that a few species of wildfowl, e.g. Anas platyrhynchos, Aythya fuligula, Aythya ferina, still use the reservoir in autumn and winter despite an intensification of sailing activities. This use and the successful breeding of Podiceps cristatus and other species of water birds depends on the existence of a large enough part of the reservoir which is shallow and marshy and not accessible to boats. As there is some suggestion that larger flocks are more sensitive to disturbance than smaller ones, refuges may be made more effective by proper screening.