The meeting discussed plans for development at Hamilton Grammar School while preserving biodiversity. Representatives from the school, biodiversity organizations, and construction firms attended. They raised concerns about protecting botanical areas during construction and discussed applying for grants to improve natural areas. The architect noted that costs may limit preservation efforts. The school will work with local organizations to identify tree species and boundaries. Signs will indicate the meadow's ecological importance. Work is scheduled to begin in April 2007, with relocating the school garden being one of the first tasks. Future meetings will involve all stakeholders to facilitate coordinated planning.

1. Eco-Schools Meeting Friday 16th September 2005
Present: Mr S. Dyer - P.T Biology
Scott Riddell - Biodiversity Officer
David Kelly - Scottish Nature Heritage
Mr Gavin Gordon - P.T P.E
Hamish Neilson - Greenspace (manager)
Mr Michael Philip - Eco-group Botanist
Adam Mc Ghee - C.P.T Architects
Anne Mulgrew -Schools Modernisation Programme
Mr Colin Stewart - Head Teacher
Stuart Bence - Eco-group Representative
Dawn Swinfen - Eco-group Representative
Apologies: Railtrack representative
Preserving Biodiversity During Development
Mr Dyer gave a presentation
The following points were raised and comments were noted :
a) There was concern about the builders’ machinery and
materials being dumped on meadow
Mrs Mulgrew said, “That won’t happen!”
b) Scottish National Heritage pointed out that they had not
been aware of the range of botany of the site when they were
consulted about the development at Hamilton Grammar School -

2. so no reference is made to it in their document. If they had been
aware, the document would have reflected this.
Scottish National Heritage also suggested that a grant
application could be made through them for the development of a
pond, or other aspects which would directly make the natural
history of the site better for future generations.
c) The Bio-Diversity Officer drew attention to the woodland
as needing further study.It was suggested that the School should
contact the Forestry Commission office in Hamilton to ask for
help in identifying trees (especially the introduced species).
d) The Architect pointed out that, in the final analysis, costs
would determine what could, and could not be done. He said that
security of the whole site “will be addressed”. He also undertook
that the position of the Contractors’ Compound would be
carefully thought through.
e) The Head Teacher expressed concern about parking space
during the development.
f) The PE Department stated that they would like an exercise
track, rather than a formal running track. This could ‘wiggle’ to
avoid key botanical patches.
g) Greenspace agreed to contact the Estates Department to find
out the exact boundaries of the School grounds, and who owns
the other areas (e.g. woodland and far meadow).
h) It was agreed that signs should be put up to show the
importance of the meadow as an ecological site and directing
ALL who require access to contact the Head Teacher for
permission prior to entering the area.(It was not, however, made
clear as to whose job it would be to provide the signs.)
i) Work on the site is scheduled to begin in April, 2007. One
of the first tasks would be to relocate the Greenspace area (i.e. the

3. polytunnel and flowerbeds) to the far end of the meadow, as
shown on the sketch map.
j) Railtrack are to be contacted about pupils now being able to get
onto the track after trees and bushes were cleared by Railtrack.
This is a security issue and regarded as urgent by the school. It
would be helpful if Railtrack talked to the school about future
plans as a number of trees cut down may be rare (one tree cut
down was the last specimen on our land) or even protected. Litter
is a problem with much of our litter ending up on the wrong side
of the security fence. Mr Dyer said that there are plans to put
meshing to stop this in the future. The Japanese Knotweed
growing from the railway line is also of concern to us
k) It was agreed that all interested groups would be included at
future planning meetings so that any future work was done in a
‘joined up’ manner
Minutes produced by Dawn Swinfen – S3