A GREEN scheme to show how the environment can still thrive during large-scale building projects has been launched in Glastonbury.

On March 23, a team of volunteers gathered at the derelict Baily’s Buildings to plant trees, which they hope will encourage wildlife and biodiversity at the renovation site.

The Grade II listed former Baily’s Buildings, which fell into disrepair after the factories closed in the 1980s, have since become home to wildlife including nine different species of bat and a variety of nesting birds.

Granted to the Beckery Island Regeneration Trust (BIRT) in 2011, the Baily’s tannery and glove factory is being regenerated to create a vibrant space for local businesses, educational groups and community activities.

A variety of ecological surveys were carried out to identify the buildings’ ecological value prior to renovation, with solutions devised to ensure that the wildlife using the site can continue to thrive.

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Temporary bat roosts have already been established, and now trees are being planted along a section of the western bank of Mill Stream to create a natural dark corridor to guide bats from the new bat lofts, along the stream, to connect with the wider landscape.

Josh Butterworth, from Geckoella, which undertook the ecological surveys at the Baily’s Buildings, said: “It was fantastic to see so many enthusiastic volunteers helping to create important habitat for the project.

“This will be vital to the long-term ecological value of the site, and highlights how greenspace can be integrated within development projects.

“The design provides landscape-connectivity from the site to its surroundings for those species that use it, which includes a huge variety of bat species – including local rarities like greater and lesser horseshoe bats.”

The Baily’s Buildings in Glastonbury are swet to be redeveloped. Picture: Jason Bryant

Ian Tucker, chair of BIRT, added: “We are grateful to everyone who came along to be part of our community tree planting day, with particular thanks to the Glastonbury Conservation Society which donated all the plants.

“It’s important that this project demonstrates how wildlife should be considered within a large development project, providing the right ecological environment so that people and wildlife can coexist, so it’s great to see some of the local community turning up to lend a hand.”

The renovation of Building West is now underway, the first phase of the project, funded by a £6.3m grant from the Glastonbury Town Deal, which was awarded £23.6m from the UK Government Towns Fund scheme.

Dr Lynne Sedgmore CBE, chair of the Glastonbury Town Deal Board, was one of the volunteers who took part in the community tree planting day.

“Yet again volunteers have given their time, skills and energy to a Glastonbury Town Deal project,” she said.

“This is so important and we are very grateful to everyone who came.

“It was really enjoyable working together to plant lots of trees and to see the significant work and progress happening on the Baily’s West Building.”