Bumblebee on a blue wild flower
A bumblebee on a blue wild flower (Picture: Adobe Stock)

Bee-friendly bus shelters about to create a buzz in Hull

There’s a real buzz around the new bus shelters winging their way to Hull.

Thanks to a successful funding bid by Hull City Council’s public transport team, 19 bee-friendly bus shelters will be installed at bus stops on Hall Road and Hedon Road next month, in place of shelters currently in poor condition.

The project has received £96,865 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The ecological shelters will have wildflower roofs designed to attract bees and other pollinating insects, which are currently at risk from climate change and habitat loss.

The green roof bus shelters.
The green roof bus shelters. (Picture: Ace Shelters)

The council is working with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, community urban garden groups, local artists and schools on the project. Local children and adults will be invited to take part by helping experts develop the wildflower mix.

Schoolchildren will also have the chance to work with a local artist to help design the artwork that will appear on the shelters.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, Portfolio Holder for Roads and Transport, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to deliver this project, which will support biodiversity, contribute towards climate resilience and support our efforts to make public transport more attractive.

“By putting residents, business and visitors at the heart of the design, the project will support local pride, as well as providing skills and promoting interest in art and horticulture.

“We have a number of bus shelters that need to be replaced, and thanks to this successful funding bid, we are now able to do this at no cost to council tax payers.

“This is the latest step towards a greener and more sustainable future for our city.”

A contract has been awarded to Ace Shelters to supply the environmentally friendly shelters.

About the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025.

The fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

For more information, visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Close-up of a roadworks sign on a pavement