M-Tray® Bee Bus Stops – A joint venture between Wallbarn and Clear Channel UK

The cityscape is transforming, one bus stop at a time. An innovative initiative spearheaded by Wallbarn and Clear Channel UK is revolutionising the way we view public spaces, adding a breath of fresh air in the form of ‘M-Tray® Bee Bus Stops‘.

The Concept Behind the Green Change

The premise behind this green revolution is straightforward – retrofitting existing flat spaces in urban settings with green roofs or ‘Living Roofs‘, thus rendering them not just aesthetically pleasing but environmentally beneficial.

Julian Thurbin, Wallbarn Director, said: “We see this as a long-term, scalable addition to our bus shelters. We’d like to do them everywhere, the positive effects are incredible”.

The Many Benefits of Living Roofs

Living Roofs offer a multitude of benefits. Not only do they give urban spaces a green makeover, but they also serve functional purposes. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Biodiversity Boost: The roofs are planted with a mix of native wildflower species, creating an environment conducive to bees and other pollinators. This helps replenish the declining numbers of these crucial creatures.
2. Climate Change Mitigation: The roofs absorb rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding while simultaneously cooling the surrounding area, hence combating the ‘urban heat island’ effect.
3. Air Purification: They act as natural air purifiers by absorbing dust and other pollutants.
4. Natural Habitat Creation: The green roofs provide a natural habitat for a variety of animals and plants, enhancing local biodiversity.
5. Infrastructure Longevity: By protecting the surface of the structures they cover, the green roofs contribute to the longevity of these infrastructures.

The Significant Impact of M-Tray® Bee Bus Stops

Cities across the UK, like Leicester and Sunderland, are reaping the benefits of these Bee Bus Stops. In a collective effort towards a cleaner, greener future, these cities have installed numerous green bus shelters, providing a natural habitat for bees and other pollinators.

Councillor Claire Rowntree, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet member for Clean, Green City, said: “These new Living Roof bus shelters are another way that we are supporting pollinators like bees and moths, which are so important for a biodiverse ecosystem but face threat due to the loss of habitat.”

M-Tray® Bee Bus Stops: The Future of Urban Landscapes

With tens of Bee Bus Stops already installed in cities across the UK, the impact of this green venture is significant. The initiative is not just limited to the UK – similar projects are underway in several European countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, France, and Belgium.

Clear Channel UK aims to create at least 1,000 Bee Bus Stops in the UK and several more in other countries, affirming their commitment to a greener future. The company is also working closely with Wildlife Trusts to maximise the benefit to wildlife.

Conclusion

The M-Tray® Bee Bus Stops are a testament to the power of green innovation. They are not just bus stops – they are a statement, a beacon of hope for a greener, more sustainable future. They are a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in driving positive change.

Louise Stubbings, creative director at Clear Channel UK, said: “We want to roll this out to as many countries as possible. We see this as a long-term, scalable addition to our bus shelters. We’d like to do them everywhere, the positive effects are incredible”.