State-of-the-art homes are going up all over Middlesbrough, and the latest hive of activity can be found at Albert Park.
The Buzz-In Boro community pollinator project aims to make Middlesbrough a more bee-friendly town, with three new ‘eco tree hives' due to be installed across the town centre.
The hives are a natural beekeeping system for passing honeybee swarms to gather, and provide a safe and effective way for people to engage in the lives of their insect neighbours.
A downloadable Bee Spotter Guide has been drawn up for would-be apiarists, and training courses in beekeeping and pollinators have been delivered to local community groups in person, online and via a downloadable workbook.
In addition to the new hives, a number of small ‘bug hotels' will also be installed in community spaces around the town centre.
Across the town Middlesbrough Council is also planting annual urban meadows and flower verges, and adjusting its approach to grass cutting to aid pollinators by allowing more time for flowering.
And Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston dropped by this week to see the finishing touches being put to the first des res high up in one of Albert Park's trees.
He said: "We're building amazing new homes across central Middlesbrough, and they're not just for people.
"Insects are so important, and none more so than bees, so it's vital that we help them thrive, and give them the habitats they need.
"They're great community projects as well, and I can't wait to see our bee population flourish thanks to initiatives like Buzz-In Boro."
To view and download the Buzz-In Boro Bee Spotter Guide, visit https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Buzz-in-Boro-bee-spotter-guide.pdf
Advice and guidance on improving green spaces for pollinators can be found under the Buzz-In Boro section at https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/environment-and-public-protection/climate-change
For the latest local updates and information, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/covid19
For information on local help and support, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/helpboro
For advice for clinically extremely vulnerable residents call Middlesbrough Council's support line on 01642 729777
The latest advice from Government and Public Health England can be found at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
