Bee we go: hives installed in Station Hill development
THE STATION Hill mixed-use development will be home to a number of bees after a new partnership with Alvéole.
The agreement will see beehives installed as part of a wider drive to increase the ecological sustainability of the project.
In the first phase of development, two beehives will be installed on the roof of the apartment building, which is due to be completed by the end of 2023.
The roofs will feature “green sedum,” where plants will be used to create a “living” rooftop ecosystem which provides a habitat for bees and butterflies.
This in turn encourages broader environmental benefits, such as attracting additional pollinating insects and contributing to the improvement of other local, natural habitats.
It will also provide residents at the development with an opportunity to learn about bees and hive management, as well as take part in workshops which teach about bee-based products such as honey, candles, lipbalm, and soap.
Alvéole will also provide consultation on the plant life which will be included in the public spaces of the development to help support the local wildlife.
Lee Fearnhead, director of construction at Lincoln Property Company UK, said: “From the start of our journey at Station Hill, we have strived to set high standards regarding the ecological and sustainable development approach, not just in terms of the design, construction and operation of the buildings, but by positively contributing to the existing Reading community.
“Introducing beehives to the development is just the latest step we plan to take. Urban bee keeping is considered essential for the health of our national bee population, with hives located in towns and cities producing healthier and more productive bees with greater access to biodiversity, resulting in a more varied diet and stronger immune systems.
“Alvéole’s approach is unique, and we hope that these first two hives are just the start of this partnership.
“We look forward to involving the community in further initiatives as the development takes shape and working with local people to raise awareness of the important role bees play in the eco-system.”
Étienne Lapierre, Co-founder at Alvéole, said: “We’re so proud to have Station Hill as one of our first UK clients.
“Their sustainability goals are perfectly in sync with our own mission, which is to drive positive environmental change through education and awareness of how we can all contribute to the conservation of bee populations.
“By making people fall in love with bees, we aim to build ecological awareness, and in time, more sustainable cities and food systems.”