As part of the development of Granton Harbour and to encourage a declining bird species Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd were requested to provide nesting facilities for migrating birds in Granton Harbour. These are in addition to the existing two already on site. After consultation with freelance ecologist Mr David Bell of ECOS Countryside Services we were asked to provide two floating pontoons.
Calum McLean of Gareloch Support Services (Plant) Ltd designed and oversaw the installation of the Bird Pontoons. ‘Our customers often look to us to fulfil unusual requirements. It was still a novelty to be faced with designing and building pontoons for wild birds’ said Calum.
Calum decided on the Cubifloat System as the basis for the pontoons. Cubifloats are innovative Plastic Cubes that link together to form stable platforms for many differing applications from simple jetties to platforms for landing helicopters on. Andy Reid of Hydrosphere advised on suitable Cubifloats.
The initial build was done in our yard at Rhu Marina. A robust wooden decking was constructed with raised sides to retain the gravel that forms the surface. They were then transported over to Granton Harbour and launched. A four point mooring system was specified and designed to fix them in position next to the existing pair.
Many different birds enjoy the use of these pontoons although they were specifically built for the Red Knot. The Red Knot migrates from its Greenland breeding ground and Granton Harbour is a favoured stopping off place. The Red Knot is listed as a declining species by Birdlife International and needs any assistance it can get.
GSS (Plant) Ltd, Rhu Marina,
Rhu, Argyll & Bute,
G84 8LH,
SCOTLAND
T: 01436 821277
F: 01436 821288
E: info@gssplant.co.uk