Recently, concerns were raised to SRUCSA in regards to the installation of nets where House Martins are known to nest around the Craibstone campus. Concerns were raised with SRUCSA, My Voice and Campus and Estates.
The students were brilliant in researching and leading the campaign and engagement. SRUCSA worked to support the students during the communications between senior management and students. Support from the local House Martin research and support charity North-East Scotland Swifts was given by attendance of members of the charity to help offer mitigation and discussion of alternative measures.
The netting or screening which is due to be placed on campus will cover only around 5% of the roof area – principally around the laboratory access areas used by staff & students, with mitigation plans in place to fundraise for replacement artificial House Martin nests which will be installed in other areas of the site close to the areas in which access to established nests are closed off.
The overall outcome was that senior management ultimately agreed to the proposition that the idea of nets retracted and more favourable, species friendly methods are being implemented. What an amazing win for our students and our friendly House Martin friends! Well done!
SRUCSA