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Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir Sinesis)

The "mittens" are masses of fine filaments around the claws. This Far Eastern species was accidentally introduced into Britain with water and rocks used as ballast in the bottom of ships. It is fairly common now in Deptford Creek and the River Thames. Since 1990 increasing numbers of mitten crabs have been collected from the intake screens from Lots Road power station, Chelsea. Records indicate that the mitten crab is now well established in the River Thames and the population is probably increasing. If this continues, such an increase in the Thames Chinese mitten crab population could have potentially harmful environmental effects. The mitten crab is known to burrow into riverbanks and therefore may represent a hazard to river and other freshwater systems.

Cormorant (Phalacrocorax Carbo)

Large blackish bird with long neck and bill. Swims low in water. Often seen standing on rocks and posts with outstretched wings. Size 90cm. Common in suitable habitats. About 11,000 pairs breed but more spend the winter here or pass through on migration. Found on coasts and estuaries, and also inland lakes and rivers. Coastal birds breed on cliffs, while inland colonies nest in waterside trees.

Flounder (Pleuronectus Flesus)

[ Picture from the Environment Agency ]

A flatfish with both eyes on the right side of the head.

Colouration: Brown to greenbrown on the back with small orange spots. White underside
Length: Up to 60cm usually to 30cm
Weight: Up to 3 Kg
Food: Larvae, crustaceans, marine worms and sometimes molluscs.

Freshwater Shrimps (Gammrus Zaddachi)

Amphipos shrimps are the dominant crustaceans. These are not true shrimps but are relatives of the "sand-hoppers" that live among seaweed on beaches. They feed on decomposing plant material and are most common where the bed is a mixture of stones and mud. These substrates trap their food and provide protection from predators.

Macro Algae

Algae make an important contribution to the ecosystem of the tidal Creek. Ten species of benthic (deep-living) microalgae were recorded in Deptford Creek in October 1997. These green, brown, yellow-green and blue-green algae are all typical of brackish waters like the Thames. The overall diversity of macroalgae in the Thames is limited by the low salinity of the river water.

More information on fish and invertabrate animals found in the tidal Thames can be obtained from the published leaflets obtainable from the Environment Agency web site.

Black Redstart

Deptford Creek is fortunate to be home to one of the country's rarer birds, the Black Redstart. Many of the industries and businesses along the Creek provide this bird with an environmental paradise. With the onset of widespread redevelopment we all need to ensure that the survival of this spectacular bird continues. At least 7% of the national population and 40% of the London population is found along Deptford Creek - a place of national significance and an essential place for the bird's future survival. It is hoped that developers will seize the opportunity to enhance the wildlife of the Creek by considering the bird's requirements in future plans. Development and conservation need not be diametrically opposed. Innovative designs and plans can benefit both wildlife and the people who live and work on the Creek.

The Black Redstart is a relative of the Robin and is similar in size and shape. The male is a strikingly handsome bird - black all over except for white wing patches and the rufous tail that gives the bird its name. The female has the distinctive red tail but is a buff/grey all over. Both sexes have the endearing habit of quivering their tails when they are perched. They feed on insects and the seeds of wild flowers. The males' song is a staccato warble interspersed with a remarkable sound like the jangling of keys. This is delivered from a high vantage point such as a crane, fence or the top of a mound of rubble. The alarm call, usually heard when the bird is near the nest, is 'tsip' and 'tuc-tuc'. As well as ledges and holes in the ground, nests can be found in scrap cars, freight trailers and even boats. These places make it particularly vulnerable to disturbance. Once the young have fledged the birds disperse, some remain in London and others fly to warmer climes, returning in April to breed.

The Black Redstart first bred in London in the 1920's and after the war pairs were breeding on the bombed areas of the city. As the bombsites were cleared the birds moved onto industrial areas in the east. Recent evidence shows that they use various types of habitats such as power stations, gas works, industrial plots, railway yards and old wharves. The earliest record of black redstarts breeding on the Creek was in 1971. However, it is likely that they have been here for much longer as places like Deptford are not usually visited by birdwatchers. In 1998 a closer study by the Creekside Environmental Project revealed that of the four pairs present two are known to have bred.

Most birds are active in the early morning and early evening. The Black Redstart can be particularly elusive, especially the female. They can be seen from the Creek Road Bridge foraging along the flood defences, and down by the Watergate where they feed off the beach and landing stage. The best way to see the bird is when it is singing - perched high up on a crane or the top corner of a building.

Detailed information about the specific wildlife of the Creek can be obtained from the book Deptford Creek - Surviving Regeneration.

Related links:

www.lbp.org.uk/action/species/sapblackredstart.htm

www.blackredstarts.org.uk