Above: Volunteers transform unmanaged section of highway verge into wildlife haven at the Port of Immingham.
Businesses CPL Products, DFDS and Associated British Ports (ABP) are working to transform an unmanaged section of highway verge, adjacent to West Haven Way, into a wildlife oasis at the Port of Immingham.
With support and guidance from Humber Nature Partnership, a team of nine volunteers from the companies planted foxglove, mullein and purple loosestrife to complement the herbaceous species already present in the verge such as teasel and yellow rattle.
Part of the transformation includes the creation of a 100 metre long green wall. Utilising an existing concrete boundary wall, volunteers have planted climbers such as honeysuckle, ivy and winter jasmine to prefixed sections of trellis and there are plans to put in place bird nesting boxes.
In time the 1,000 square metre verge will transform into valuable habitat for a range of wildlife including: butterflies, birds and small mammals. Along with habitat improvements for wildlife, once established the enhanced verge and green wall will also help to suppress dust in the form of particulates from the road.
Simon Bird, Director Humber, said: “As part of our commitment to sustainability we actively look for areas we can make improvements to for all manner of flora and fauna. Working in partnership is key to our work, my thanks to CPL, DFDS and the Humber Nature Partnership for bringing this project to life.”
Humber Nature Partnership Conservation Officer, Alan Jones, said: “The entire verge will now be managed as a wildlife haven and promises a year-round display. The team will be working on further development of the area across the year.”
Jason Sutton, CEO of CPL Products, said: “With sustainability at the core of our strategy we were proud to work with DFDS and ABP on this programme to transform the land on the border of our site into a wildlife haven. I'd like to thank the team of volunteers from CPL Products who played a key part in delivering this project and look forward to seeing how this land changes through the seasons.”
Richard Lait, DFDS Head of HSE said: “Sustainability is high on the agenda within many organisations including DFDS. We recognise one of the most effective ways to help wildlife is to preserve the environment in which the animals live, and DFDS Seaways will continue to work in partnership with ABP and others to support these excellent initiatives.”
ABP’s new sustainability strategy, Ready for Tomorrow, outlines a plan to invest around
£2 billion in decarbonising its own operations by 2040 at the latest and in major infrastructure projects to enable the wider UK energy transition.
www.abports.co.uk
