At CarnaBEE we are excited to partner with Defra for another year to celebrate Bees' Needs Week, an annual campaign, raising awareness of the nation’s bees and other pollinators.
Carnaby is a haven for wildlife thanks to our commitment to increase biodiversity. This year Nature in the City highlights Carnaby’s increasing wildlife and green projects in this heart of the West End.
Across the 14 streets of Carnaby there are: 8 bird boxes, 2 beehives, 5 insect homes, 725 window boxes, 7 green walls, 18 green roofs, 46 hanging baskets and 9 trees. These help to create an attractive and buzzing environment for wildlife to set up home.
All 725 window boxes in Carnaby are planted with 100% pollinator friendly plants including Penstemon, Veronica, Fuchsia, Bacopa, Lavender, Buxus and Ivy. They help provide for the 100,000 honey bees that live in the 2 hives on a Carnaby Street rooftop. It isn't just bees that are being attracted; over the past 2 months several bird species have been spotted including a Fire Crest, Pied Wagtails and even a pair of Mallard ducks.
Defra has 5 simple steps you can take to help the pollinators make sure their populations are sustained.
1. Grow more flowers, shrubs and trees.
2. Let your garden grow wild.
3. Cut your grass less often.
4. Don't disturb insect nests and hibernation spots.
5. Think carefully about your pesticide use.
How are you helping the pollinators in your area?
Spot any wildlife around Carnaby? Share your Bees' Needs photos with us using @CarnabyLondon and the hashtag #BeesNeeds