Photo: Clear Channel
Butterflies and bees are getting their own transport network as “bee bus stops” start to pop up around UK cities and across Europe. Humble bus shelters are being turned into riots of color, with the number of miniature gardens -- full of pollinator-friendly flora such as wild strawberries, poppies, and pansies -- set to increase by 50% in the UK by the end of this year. “We want to do this in as many cities in the UK as possible,” said Louise Stubbings, creative director at Clear Channel UK, which manages 30,000 commercial shelters on behalf of councils. Clear Channel aims to create at least 1,000 bee bus stops in the UK, hopefully more, and is only installing them when bus shelters need to be replaced. They are already established in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden, and the company is building them in France and Belgium later this year. They are working with Wildlife Trusts to maximize the benefits to wildlife. In addition to the wildlife benefits, the roofs also absorb rainwater, and make a small contribution to offsetting the urban heat island.
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