Brighton unveils first bee bus stop for South of England

The first ‘Living Roof’ bus shelter has been installed in Palmeira Square, Brighton.

The solar-powered shelter has a roof planted with a mix of wildflowers and sedum plants, which are rich in nectar and a favourite of bees and other pollinators.

As well as helping bees, the shelter will absorb rainwater, support the city’s biodiversity and is powered entirely by solar energy, with a smart lighting system that only turns on in the presence of a passenger to minimise its environmental impact.

All elements of the shelter are fully recyclable, designed within the principles of circular economy, meaning that at the end of its life nothing will go to landfill.

Council leader, Phélim Mac Cafferty, said at the opening of the bus stop: ‘The new bus shelter doesn’t just look great, it will be a little haven for wildlife. I’d really like to see many more of them around the city.

‘We all know that there has been a serious decline in biodiversity and insects. And the green roof on this bus stop is a perfect way to give nature a breathing space. But this is also about humans- pollinating insects are a key part of the food chain with so much of what we eat dependent on pollination.

‘The Bee Bus Stop is just another example of how we’re working to improve the city’s biodiversity, climate and air quality year-round.’

The installation follows a petition by Brighton & Hove resident Yazmin Muir, who asked to see Bee Bus Stops in the city after seeing Clear Channel Living Roofs in Utrecht in the Netherlands.

The shelter has been funded, installed and will be maintained by Clear Channel UK, who manage the city’s bus stops.

Clear Channel’s managing director, Will Ramage, said: ‘For many years, the country has looked to Brighton & Hove City Council for inspiration on how to become more environmentally sustainable.

‘I’m overjoyed to see the first of the Living Roofs taking root in the seaside city, not only for the benefits it will bring to residents and visitors, but also so it can go on to inspire many, many more councils in future.

‘We’d love to see the Living Roofs in every town and city across the UK and Europe, having a tangible and positive effect on our planet.’

In related news, restoration work on Hampstead Heath has begun, after a huge rise in visitors during the Covid-19 lockdowns has left the site damaged.

Photo supplied by Brighton & Hove Council