Something for the weekend: Glass container design, manufacturing, bottling and logistics firm Encirc has created a looped walkway at its Derrylin, Northern Ireland factory, which it has now opened for its employees to use for their wellbeing.
The 560 metre looped walkway was created with Business in the Community’s Biodiversity Charter. The project was part of Encirc’s sustainability strategy, as well as its commitment to create a great place for staff and work towards decarbonising glass bottle production.
Work on the walkway began in January 2023 by the firm’s Biodiversity Committee, which comprises 50 employees who work on projects that improve the natural habitat. Under guidance from Ulster Wildlife, a pathway and trees at the end of their lives were cleared for more light and to enhance biodiversity.
St Aidan’s High School helped to lay sheep’s wool on the paths with stones, and the pathway around the walkway was created by digging up the old driveway to the factory during its resurfacing and crushing it down.
Grass and wildflower seeds were sown, seating and bird boxes were sourced from local Men’s Shed groups, and two containers that were no longer needed due to improved recycling added. These can be used to host schools, outdoor meetings, workshops and provide some shelter. A quiet reflection area was also created, where staff can go to remember loved ones, former colleagues or for time on their own.
The walkway was officially opened by Kieran Harding (pictured centre right), managing director of Business in the Community Northern Ireland.
Fiacre O’Donnell, sustainability director at Encirc (pictured right), said: “This walkway will be a haven for biodiversity and is an incredible space for all our staff to come out and enjoy some time away from their workstations. We have a wildlife camera and already we have seen a pine marten, moorhens, hares, birds, a fox and a badger. We also have a commitment to provide the best working environment for our people and when you add this walkway to facilities such as our gym that are already in place, then you can see that this is a something that we are serious about.”
This sounds like a lovely way to improve wellbeing and help the environment at the same time!
