York created Britain’s biggest buzz this summer – and now other cities want to follow our lead

Britain’s first city-wide pollinator project will return bigger, better and buzzier next year – and other British cities want to adopt the idea too.

Buzz About York was a vibrant project which brought colour and life to the city centre this summer, with the aim of helping the local bee population to thrive.

Brought to the city by the York BID, the project consisted of over 200 planters, bug hotels in the form of iconic York buildings, and a wildflower meadow. The project delivered the nation’s biggest bee-friendly floral display, and it caught the eye of other cities who want to replicate the idea.

Carl Alsop and Rachel Bean of The York BID co-ordinated the project.

Carl says, “We have received a lot of positive comments from other BIDs and local authorities whose personnel noticed the project while they were visiting York this summer on staycation.

“A couple of them have asked if they can replicate it in their own cities, which is a real compliment.”

The project included interactive and educational elements to engage with young people about the plight of pollinators, and the BID worked with businesses in the city, highlighting those who support bees and beekeepers through their products or services.

Winter displays

The wildflower meadow at Exhibition Square was a focal point for the project, hosting a talk from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, as well as a giant cut out of the Buzz About York mascot Buzz who featured in many selfies alongside the beautiful meadow and planters in the Square.

Coppergate also featured some fun elements alongside their planters – a giant bee deckchair, and bright bee umbrellas at the iconic umbrella walk, and an educational shop wrap.

The BID also wanted to help fund projects that support bee conservation, so pledged 1% of all York Gift Card sales over the summer to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

Carl Alsop adds, “We’re really happy with the positive comments the project has received, and plan to add more elements to it next year.

“We’re also keeping some elements of it going through the winter months with the meadow and some planters remaining in place with an updated planting scheme.”

Some of the ‘honeycomb’ bee planters have been updated with heather, pansies and other winter flowering plants for the colder months to come.

These can be enjoyed along with some of the additional picnic tables the BID has left out for winter at Library Lawn, Exhibition Square, the Artists Garden behind York Art Gallery, Castle Museum and Esplanade.

People can learn more about the project, and how to support pollinators by following @buzzaboutyork on Facebook or Instagram.