whg residents spruce up balconies with bumblebee-friendly planters

Customers at Austin House worked with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust to create bumblebee-friendly balcony feeders designed to bring nature to their doorsteps.

Bumblebee-friendly plants including tomatoes, strawberries and thyme were used to create habitats for bumblebees and other pollinators, as well as making balconies more aesthetically pleasing.

Bee Inspired, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is testing a balcony bee feeder scheme, which will help people to protect bumblebees in urban areas.

Customers previously attended a workshop to hear about declining bumblebee populations, their importance in pollinating our crops and flowers, and the difference between honeybees and bumblebees.

Carolyn Postlethwaite, Bee Inspired Outreach and Volunteer Officer said: “We’re delighted residents are taking part in this pilot project for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

“Better still the plants were sourced and grown locally by gardening groups, such as Brownhills Community Centre Garden Club in Walsall and supported by one of our Bumblebee Champions, Yoke.”

Akhlaq Hussain, Customer Voice Project Officer, said: “Studies show that being in nature can improve wellbeing and reduce stress. This workshop was not only a way to make a visible difference in our area, but also brought the community together.

“We’re really pleased with how the planters turned out and can’t wait to see the positive impact they will have on the local wildlife!”

Click here to find out more and get involved with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.