Falkirk East MSP, Angus MacDonald, has hailed the success of Buglife and CalaChem’s partnership Green Roof project, on a recent visit to the industrial complex in Grangemouth.
In 2016 a biodiverse green roof was installed onto one of buildings on CalaChem’s complex by Bauder, a company specialising in roof systems, in order to provide a space for all manner of butterfly, invertebrates and even Oyster Catchers to have a place to flourish in the midst of heavy industry.
Visiting the site, which was in the initial stages of growth due to the long winter period, Suzanne Burgess, Scotland Manager for Buglife, highlighted the success of having provided a space for an Oyster Catcher to set up nest in the last season, while John Walker, Estates Manager with CalaChem spoke of the importance of this project as well as the benefits to the building where the roof had been installed.
Commenting, Angus MacDonald MSP said: “It was great to get along to see this green roof, one of two installations in Grangemouth, to see how things were going, and to get an idea of what this meant for CalaChem and for Buglife. Hearing of the wildlife which had been spotted was proof for me that this is and will continue to be a successful installation. With it being the beginning of the season there is clearly more growth to come, however it was clear to see the importance of this project, and great to hear how it is encouraging biodiversity, even in the midst of an industrial area. I am glad to hear, too, of the benefits to CalaChem. Once again we see CalaChem giving a platform for nature to flourish, and I hope to see more of this from local industry in the future. It was encouraging to hear that CalaChem are considering increasing the number of green roofs within their complex.”
Suzanne Burgess, Buglife Scotland Manager said: “Green roofs are an exciting opportunity to create habitat for wildlife at roof level. This green roof within CalaChem’s grounds is already providing forage for bumblebees and butterflies and a nesting site for Oystercatchers. Extra wildflowers will be added to the roof this spring to further enhance diversity of species on the roof.”
John Walker, Estates Manager at CalaChem said: “CalaChem are delighted to be supporting this project and are looking forward to the wildflowers and grasses getting established and the bug life increasing. This has been a great example of what can be done with industrial roofs to both benefit wildlife and improve assets.”
