A biodiverse green roof over 140m2 in size that has been designed for pollinating insects has been installed on a flat roof owned by CalaChem in Grangemouth.
This is the first green roof to be installed in Grangemouth that has been designed with biodiversity in mind. Calachem has been very supportive of the project, and our thanks go to them for being the first to host a brand new green roof on their site. The work has been carried out through IFLI's Glorious Green Roofs project which has been managed by Buglife, and is funded by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, and the EU LIFE programme.
Almost 60 species of wildflower and grasses, native to Britain have been planted onto the roof. Species of wildflower include Common bird’s foot trefoil and Kidney vetch that the caterpillars of Common blue butterflies feed on as well as Red clover that is required by bumblebees for the essential amino acids that the flowers provide to the foraging insects.
This green roof will act as a stepping stone for wildlife, allowing the movement and mixing of individuals and species across Grangemouth. Green roofs also provide a number of benefits to a building itself by improving insulation in the winter and providing cooling in the summer, as well as reducing noise pollution and increasing the lifespan of the roof. So everyone wins!
Buglife is working with local industry to create a network of green roofs at industrial sites, predominantly in Grangemouth, but potentially further afield around the IFLI area. It aims to help people to understand the importance of green roofs for invertebrates and other wildlife, how green roofs can benefit the building, and how they can support local and rare species including Local Biodiversity Action Plan priority species.
Suzanne Burgess, Conservation Officer with Buglife said “this biodiverse green roof will provide an important stopping point for bees, hoverflies and other insects moving through Grangemouth. A diversity of wildflowers has been planted to benefit a wide range of pollinating insect species as well as other wildlife.”
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.”
Paul Sizeland of the EU EcoCoLIFE project said; “this is a great opportunity to demonstrate how industrial sites can play a vital part in an urban wildlife matrix and provide interest to people working at the facility. These rich green patches act as stepping stones for insects and birds to feed and move through an otherwise impervious landscape.”
Alex Page, IFLI’s Programme Manager, added: “The Inner Forth Landscape Initiative is conserving, enhancing and celebrating the unique landscape and heritage of the upper reaches of the Firth of Forth. Congratulations to Buglife and CalaChem on the installation of this magnificent nature-friendly roof, which is essential to the creation of a network of stepping stones for wildlife through an industrialised landscape. It is also an opportunity for employees at Grangemouth to learn about wildlife and the importance of green roofs.”
EcoCoLife (www.EcoCoLife.org.uk ) is funded with the contribution of the LIFE+ financial instrument of the European Community
The Inner Forth Landscape Initiative is a partnership of RSPB Scotland (lead agency), Scottish Natural Heritage, Falkirk Council, Stirling Council, Clackmannanshire Council, Central Scotland Green Network, Historic Environment Scotland, and Sustrans. Other organisations contribute knowledge, expertise and links to the community through working groups and other meetings. Its intention is to reveal the hidden cultural, historical and natural wealth of the upper reaches of the Firth of Forth, restore and conserve important features, open up access, provide skills training and ultimately leave a legacy of a richer landscape and new facilities for all. www.innerforthlandscape.co.uk.
