Starfish Construction Demonstrates Compassion and Responsibility in Site Wildlife Rescue
The Starfish Construction team is currently working on a long-term project across five multi-storey residential blocks at St George’s Island in Manchester. As the name suggests, the site sits between the River Irwell on one side and the Bridgewater Canal on the other, making it a magnet for migrating and nesting birds. Several pairs of Canadian Geese have been nesting around the site and raising their goslings.
In a heartwarming display of compassion and community responsibility, the Starfish Construction team has once again demonstrated our commitment to building structures and nurturing the environment. On a recent day at the St George’s Island (SGI) project site in Manchester, an unfolding drama saw a diligent team member step up to save a distressed young gosling, christened MiMi, from potential harm near the canal.
"We all work extremely hard on every project, but sometimes it's nice to get that unusual break to the day. It was great to see the team spring into action and go into animal rescue mode - Chris Packham would have been proud. The geese seem to have taken a liking to the site, and we will remain vigilant for any more animal in need".
Bradley Kafourous-Smith, Project Manager at St George's Island.
The incident began when our vigilant team member spotted the gosling alone and under attack by two swans. Swiftly intervening, they safely removed MiMi from the dangerous situation and brought it to the site office, where the young gosling was placed in the caring hands of Melissa, our dedicated Resident Liaison Officer (now also in charge of wildlife welfare) and Assistant Quantity Surveyor at the SGI project. Melissa's immediate actions to warm and comfort the young goose underscore our team's dedication to all SGI property residents and our surrounding area wildlife residents.
After unsuccessful attempts to reunite MiMi with adult geese, the team continued to ensure its well-being. Embodying the company's ethos of care, Melissa gave MiMi a full tour of the site, temporarily making her an honorary member of the Starfish Construction team.
The story turned positive when Krystian from Jensen Hughes, the project's consultants, came for a routine site inspection and stepped in after learning about MiMi. With a connection to a veterinarian friend who works with the RSPCA in Manchester, Krystian arranged for MiMi to be cared for by professionals at the Wild Birds Rescue Centre.
This incident highlights our staff's spontaneous acts of kindness and reflects our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. At Starfish Construction, our responsibilities extend beyond our immediate construction projects and into the broader community and natural world around our project sites.
We wish MiMi health and happiness, and we look forward to hearing about her progress over the coming months.
