- Council opens new Wild Bee Garden in partnership with Bumble Bee Conservation Trust
- The Greenway Pollinator Trail was created after Council received £50,000 in funding from The Mayor of London’s Rewild London Fund.
A new thriving habitat for bees has opened as part of the Council’s largest projects to improve the borough’s green spaces, and increase biodiversity along the Greenway and beyond.
With support from The Mayor of London’s Rewild London Fund, the seven kilometre Greenway which winds through the centre of Newham, has been transformed into a thriving Pollinator Trail which includes four specially designed habitat areas for bees, butterflies, moths and other wildlife.
To celebrate the opening of the Wild Bee Garden, Councillor James Asser, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainable Transport, joined Bex Cartwright from the Bumble Bee Conservation Trust, parks staff and volunteers to cut the ribbon and officially open the garden to residents.
Councillor James Asser, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainable Transport said:
“I am delighted to open the Wild Bee Garden along the Greenway Pollinator Trail
“Thanks to funding from The Mayor of London’s Rewild London Fund and the extraordinary efforts from our parks staff and volunteers, residents have been enjoying a riot of colour whilst walking or cycling through the Greenway this summer.
“This fabulous new habitat for bees marks another important part of our wider commitment to deliver a greener more sustainable Newham. The garden and the Pollinator Trail project is already helping to enhance biodiversity and preserve and improve our green spaces, and several species of rare bee have already been spotted.
“We hope this new garden will increase interest in the wildlife around us, add to the enjoyment of everyone using the Greenway, as well as bringing a relaxing space for patients and visitors to Newham Hospital.
By introducing wildlife-friendly flowers and grasses to the popular pedestrian and cycle route, the council aims to boost pollinator populations and support the recovery of local nature. Educational signs unveiled by Community Artist & Conservationist, Matt Ponting, also offer opportunities for residents of all ages to use the space to learn more about the importance of pollinating insects and their habitats.
During the grand opening, representatives from Newham Hospital pledged to reap the benefits of the garden by using the area as a wellbeing sanctuary for staff and patients.
Developed in partnership with nature experts, including: Butterfly Conservation (Big City Butterflies), Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Denis J Vickers (Consultant Ecologist) and volunteer rangers from London National Park City, the Pollinator Trail forms part of the council’s plan to address the climate emergency and improve the borough’s green spaces.
Find out more about the new Wild Bee Garden and explore the Pollinator Trail.
