Ground Control supports recolonisation of London bees after ‘harsh’ winter
Ground Control has partnered with CBRE and the London Beekeeper to restore a dormant bee habitat at the London Metropolitan University after a ‘harsh’ winter left the rooftop hives in poor condition.
The grounds maintenance company delivered ‘substantial’ repairs to the hives and surrounding planters in support of the recolonisation of local bees.
The planters have been cultivated with low maintenance species, adhering to the rooftop location, including Salvia ‘Blue Spire’, Sedum ewersii var. homophyllum ‘Rosenteppich’, Mediterranean spurge, lavender, and rosemary – all multi-season, pollen-bearing plants.
Ground Control contract manager Matthew Hardy says: “London is overpopulated, and wildlife is scarce and under threat, so to be introducing native pollinating species is a positive step and a great reflection on our values as a company.”
The grounds maintenance company acquired the preventative grounds maintenance contract on behalf of CBRE in March this year.
Ground Control says that the partnership is ‘in the process of designing proposals for engaging the university community in beekeeping, honey production, and now education programmes to raise awareness of the importance of protecting pollinators and encouraging biodiversity.’
This project follows the announcement of Ground Control’s Devana launch, a 100-acre environmental recovery site.