• December 15, 2011

“Bluebells on the Move”

A Fife-based environmental and conservation charity is helping to preserve 70,000 bluebell bulbs during preparatory works on Scotland’s largest infrastructure project.

Fife Coast & Countryside Trust has received a donation of £2,000 from Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors (FCBC), the contractors appointed by Transport Scotland to deliver the new bridge and connecting roads elements of the Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC), for help in the relocation of the bluebells from the grounds of Admiral’s House near North Queensferry.

Due to site clearance work for the FRC, it has become necessary to move the bulbs for re-planting at nearby Castlandhill.

Commenting, Carlo Germani, FCBC Project Director, said:  “Care for the environment, including flora and wildlife, is a central pillar of our approach to the construction of the new Forth bridge. FCBC’s Environmental Management Plan was an important element of the contract we signed with Transport Scotland.  We are determined to carry out our environmental responsibilities fully and, indeed, to exceed them wherever possible. We are grateful to FCCT for their help with the important task of safely relocating these bluebell bulbs.”

Amanda McFarlane, Fife Coast and Countryside Trust’s chief executive, said:  “The Trust is delighted to accept the donation of £2000 from FCBC. And, we have welcomed the opportunity to advise on the relocation of the bluebell bulbs for their best possible long-term outcome.

“The Trust manages a number of sites across Fife, including The Fife Coastal Path. Earlier this year, the Trust launched an extension to the Path which now runs from North Queensferry to Kincardine Bridge – I’m sure walkers on the Path will watch with interest the progress being made to the new crossing which, when complete, will join the Forth’s other famous landmarks.”

The operation to save the bluebells will see an excavator remove approximately 200 tonnes of topsoil containing the bulbs. Once at Castlandhill, a tracked excavator will spread the topsoil in a layer 200mm thick which will ensure that the bulbs are replanted at an appropriate depth to ensure their future success.

Image caption attached (Access site): Left to right:  Neil Abraham, FCBC’s Environmental Manager, Carlo Germani, FCBC’s Project Director, Amanda McFarlane, CEO of the Fife Coast & Conservation Trust.  Please note that the existing Forth Road Bridge is visible in the background.