New Bugs and Bees locations confirmed after more success

At a meeting of the Climate Change Committee this week, Mayor Dave Hodgson confirmed the new locations for rewilding and relaxed grass cutting to help save the bees and boost biodiversity across Bedford Borough. The new sites include Margetts Road, Aylesbury Road, Clapham Road Roundabout, Moor Lane, Bedford Park and Bowhill Park.

Mayor Dave said "I'm very pleased with the success of this project and I would like to say a huge thank you to council staff and residents for helping to choose suitable locations for rewilding. The award last year recognised the outstanding work being done on this and it is fantastic that we are able to expand the project again this year. We know that bees play a vital role in our ecosystems so its important that we have spaces to help them flourish. Not only will this improve biodiversity across the Borough, but less mowing will also mean a further reduction in carbon emissions - which is something we are always striving to do."

The Bugs and Bees Project was launched in 2020 and since then it has been an enormous success winning the national Bees' Needs Champion Award last year. Wildflower species such as clover and dandelion provide important pollen and nectar sources for insects, bees and other pollinators that are a vital part of our ecosystem. Allowing grass to grow longer produces a more sustainable natural environment and provides food and shelter for animals, bees and other insects.

Wildflower and grassy meadows aren't the only way the Council is helping to increase the impact Bedford can have on creating sustainable and biodiverse environments. There will also be planting of more pollinator friendly plants, a reduction to the amount of chemical usage in park maintenance and planting more trees.