The recent planting of a new community orchard at the rear of MAN Diesel & Turbo UK Ltd’s (MDT-UK) Headquarters in Hazel Grove has seen an increase in wildlife sightings in the area known locally as Mirrlees Fields.
In addition to the planting of 20 mixed fruit trees and 40 hazel saplings, the thinning out of the adjacent meadow has attracted a large variety of birds and mammals, not least a pair of common buzzards – one male and one female – who have started to build a nest in a tree overlooking the company’s offices.
It is currently the breeding time for the common buzzard and staff have been fortunate enough to have seen at close quarters the male performing aerial displays as he tries to impress the female.
Common buzzards live on average for around twelve years and have a wingspan of up to 60 inches (152cm) long. In the UK they are found in greatest numbers in Scotland, Wales, the Lake District and south-west England so MDT-UK is delighted two seem to have decided to settle so close to their buildings in Hazel Grove.
In addition to the common buzzards, there have also been sightings of twelve other varieties of birds with foxes, rabbits and squirrels being regular visitors to the site whilst herons, ducks, frogs, newts and toads habitat the pond.
MDT-UK worked closely with Helping Britain Blossom and the Cheshire Wildlife Trust on these improvements to the surrounding fields.