Jul 12 2010
Manchester Airport Staff become Competitive Gardeners
MANCHESTER AIRPORT TOUR with Ben Foden
Just a few hundred yards from the busy main runway at Manchesters busy airport over 100 airport staff are now gardening on their own allotments, provided by the airport. But they have been told that they are not allowed to grow any plants that might attract birds.
Many staff have keenly signed up to the offer of allotments adjacent to the airport. Some are working in teams to grow vegetables including lettuce and onions, but they must be careful not to grow any plants that may attract birds. An air of competition has entered the allotments as teams of staff try to outdo one another in their efforts to be the best allotments.
Although the allotments are located on the outskirts of the airport area, adjacent to the Manchester Airport parking lots they are within only a few hundred yards of the main runway. Its therefore important that they dont attract flocks of birds.
Manchester airport has employed a wildlife officer to oversee the plots and ensure that they are not attracting significant number of birds which could present a safety hazard. Birds tend to like areas around airports as there are often areas of undeveloped land which provides an ideal habitat for many species.
Flocks of small birds and large birds, such as gulls, can present a significant hazard to aircraft. Damage can occur when birds are sucked into the turbine engines or when they come into contact with the windscreen. Manchester airport authorities have recognised the risk and taken steps to prevent gardeners from growing any plants that might provide a food source for birds.
The threat of birds strikes isnt restricted to Manchester Airport. Many other airports take various precautions to minimise the risk posed by birds. These include the removal of seed bearing plants that are a food source for many birds and using insecticides to kill off other food sources.
If you are flying from Manchester airport you could spend a relaxing Manchester Airport Hotel or take advantage of various Manchester Airport Hotels with Parking that can offer some significant savings.
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