Animals at the Olympics

23 July 2012

Here are some of the animals affected.

Kingfisher

A shy bird (pictured right) that gives waterways a vivid splash of colour. It's suffered in recent cold winters and this summer from flooded nests.

What's happening? Two artificial nesting banks built on the River Lee, which runs through the Olympic Park.

Podium finish? Has a head start already in the Lee Valley, and nesting banks have been used successfully elsewhere.

Otter

Now re-established in every English county after a massive population crash between 1950 and 1970, due to pollution, hunting and habitat loss.

What's happening? Two otter holts built on the River Lee within the Olympic Park.

Podium finish? The greatest obstacle to success will be the number of roads, including the A12, which otters might have to cross.

Dormouse

Has suffered a huge decline since World War II due to habitat loss and intensive farming.

What's happening? The cycling road races pass near Box Hill in Surrey, so the local population of dormice has had a leg up by owners the National Trust. Measures include dormice boxes made from off-cuts from construction of the Olympic Park.

Podium finish? Local dormice will enjoy great views from the treetops of one of the Games' most strenuous events.

Water vole

The UK's fastest declining mammal with a 90% loss between 1960 and 1990, largely due to being hunted by American mink and habitat loss.

What's happening? Concrete walls and metal sheeting replaced with natural banks. 300,000 wetland plants to create rural backwaters. Removal of sediment from 8km of the River Lee to improve water quality.

Podium finish? Water voles are found around the River Lee to the north, but there is already evidence of individuals in the Olympic Park itself. A good contender for success in the water, depending on the American competition.

Black redstart

Sparsely vegetated wasteland provides ideal breeding grounds for the black redstart, although fewer than 100 pairs now breed in the UK.

What's happening? 50 nest boxes introduced to some Park structures, including the vast International Media Centre.

Podium finish? The black redstart has already been recorded around the Olympic Park, so hold the front page.

Bee

A vital pollinator of food and flowers with many of the UK's 250 species suffering dramatic decline - see The Bee Cause campaign.

What's happening? New wildflower meadows planted in the shadow of the Olympic Stadium.

Podium finish? The perennial meadows will come back year after year so are a useful source of nectar for visiting insects.

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The above article is an edited extract from 'Earthmatters', Friends of the Earth's supporter magazine. Why not join Friends of the Earth and you'll receive three issues of 'Earthmatters' per year.