The initiative is part of the Monklands Replacement Project (MRP), which is supporting environmental improvements through its Community Benefits scheme.
Thirty bird and bat boxes were assembled by pupils from Buchanan High in Coatbridge, Glencryan School in Cumbernauld, and St Philip’s School in Airdrie.
Lanarkshire pupils helped build the boxes (Image: Supplied)
Lesley Aitken, Community Benefits Engagement Lead for the MRP, said: “This environmental initiative provided pupils at each of the three schools with the opportunity to develop their practical skills by building the boxes.
“It also gave them the chance to learn more about environmental sustainability and the ways to protect local wildlife and enhance the biodiversity of their local area.
“The work with our young people in Lanarkshire through delivery of the MRP Community Benefits programme continues to highlight how our major project can benefit local people and leave a lasting legacy far beyond the new hospital and its associated facilities.”
Laing O’Rourke, the construction partner for the new University Hospital Monklands in Wester Moffat, led the scheme with support from ecologists, civil engineers I&H Brown, and environmental consultants Naturally Compliant.
A staff member from Glencryan School said: “It was a fantastic experience for our young people.
“They learned about the importance of ensuring safe habitats for local animals and learned real-life skills while building the boxes.
“Pupils have now painted their boxes and we plan to attach them to trees in the area.”
One pupil said: “It was fun.
“I didn’t know bat boxes existed.
“I’m looking forward to walking around Cumbernauld and attaching my box to a tree.”
Lanarkshire pupils helped build the boxes (Image: Supplied)
A teacher from St Philip’s said: “Our young people thoroughly enjoyed the recent opportunity of the environmental initiative, building bird and bat boxes for our school campus.
“The input was engaging, easy to follow and informative.
“All the young people involved had a great time and the boxes are now going up around the campus.”
Bird boxes help offset the loss of natural nesting sites, while bat boxes provide alternative roosts for bats.
In addition to habitat improvements, the MRP Community Benefits programme also focuses on job creation, apprenticeships, learning opportunities, and business support in the wider community.
