Coastal Recycling turns to Scouts for eco help

Ten Scouts from 7th Exmouth Scout Group were on hand to help Coastal Recycling put up bat boxes, bird boxes and install a reptile hibernacula on their recycling site at Kenbury Wood, Kennford, near Exeter.

Coastal Recycling, working with BlueSky Ecology, has developed a new sustainable environmental management plan for the 40 acre site to include a biodiversity enhancement project. The project has involved a complete review of the local habitat and the creation of a plan to support a number of species.

The bat boxes will support the local bat population and are aimed at providing safe breeding areas to increase the bat population. British bat species are in decline and are offered legal protection in the UK. It is hoped that the Scouts' work will help support the local population. Devon is a stronghold for many bat species and providing secure roosts can have beneficial long term impacts.

Song birds have also been in decline over recent years and the bird boxes have been designed to provide safe breeding sites away from predators and the effects of weather.

The reptile hibernaculas have been created to provide refuges and over-wintering sites for reptiles and amphibians providing habitat, cover and locations to bask and to breed.

John Barraball Environmental Manager at Coastal Recycling said: “Our site at Kenbury Wood is a busy working site but is also the home to a diverse range of wildlife.

"We want to encourage and protect this and have engaged with BlueSky Ecology to help us develop a sustainable plan for the long term good of all who use the site including the wildlife. The Scouts did a fantastic job and as a part of their day were able to see our recycling and resource recovery facilities.”

The Scouts were organised by Coastal employee and Scout Master Ian Edgecumbe.

Briony Gillett from BlueSky Ecology said “this is a very exciting project, and a great example of what can be done to help wildlife live and flourish alongside human and business activity. We will be monitoring the results of this project and inviting the Scouts back to view the results of their work”

Photos by Steve Haywood.