The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) – responsible for safeguarding our natural environment – are bringing together 30 ‘champions’ to celebrate bee-friendly initiatives, and you could say we are buzzing.
What’s so bee-rilliant?
Well…Woburn Forest has just been named a Bee’s Needs champion by DEFRA at their annual awards ceremony. This accolade is in celebration of the green roofs the village has on two of its main buildings – Aqua Sana Spa and The Venue – which were planted in 2014.
Rich Watson, Landscape Asset Manager at Center Parcs said: “Our rangers work so hard to create habitats across the forest to attract a wide variety of native species.” So it’s only expected that for all their hard work, the Rangers head to the Royal Botanic Gardens to collect the award. On behalf of the Rangers and Woburn Forest, Rich would like to say “a huge thank you to those who nominated us, this recognition means a lot to us.”
Up on the roof
Made up of a special mix of compost, crushed brick and plant cuttings, the roofs are an additional habitat for a diverse range of insects and birds. Not just a benefit for the animals though, these green roofs are brilliant for the environment as they absorb excess carbon dioxide.
Rich says the staff at Woburn Forest “are very passionate about wildlife and are always trying to find new ways of making our forests inviting to all plants and creatures great and small.” And they’ve definitely made a friendly environment up on those roofs.
How to bee helpful
Rich believes that “the natural environment is part of who we are” and this is why we need to keep the bees buzzing, especially with winter approaching. So can you and your family help? Of course you can. Read our guide on how to build a nest at home, so they can keep cosy over the winter and keep your garden filled with flowers for their food.
Book your short break to Woburn Forest and spot the roofs for yourselves.
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