We wanted our wildflower seed mix packets to be a little bit different. Which is why we commissioned Esther Kirkpatrick to create this captivating design that showcases Mother Earth scattering wildflower seeds within a meadow that is alive with bees and pollinators. Available to purchase from the Bee Friendly Trust shop; all profits go direct …
Author archives: emmalpritchard
Newbury Racecourse Railway Station, Berkshire
In December 2022, this striking mural, created by Esther Kirkpatrick (the artist who designed our wildflower seed packets), travelled from Brighton, East Sussex, to Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire where it now has pride of place at the station, alongside four of our floral planters, numerous bug hotels and a wildflower meadow.
Station Nature Trail Signage
You may recognise the captivating work on our station nature trail signage as that of Sorcha Faulkner, the talented illustrator behind our bee ID illustrations. It is important to us to share the story behind our wildlife spaces at stations – from why we choose to leave some areas “messy” to what it takes to …
Penzance Railway Station, Cornwall
Taking inspiration from traditional railway posters, as well as portraying the important message that bees are vital for all life, is this striking mural, which was designed by graffiti artist Cosmic Images, with support from GWR. Find it alongside three of our floral platform planters at Penzance Railway Station, Cornwall.
How to help bees survive droughts and heatwaves
From creating bee drinking stations to protecting pollinator-friendly plants, keep your garden buzzing with tips from the BFT gardening team. 1. Put out a bee drinking station As well for staying hydrated, bees use water to help cool down their hive in hot weather. A shallow saucer filled with water and large pebbles (these act …
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Royal Academy of Music, London
We were asked by the Royal Academy of Music to help them with their beehive project. Our team donned their bee suits and installed forage rich terracotta planters on the roof terrace around the hives. With the lavender and rosemary planted by our gardeners, and the riches of Regents Park just a few wing beats …
Northfields Underground Station, London
Northfields Station was designed by Charles Holden and opened in 1932. It is Grade II listed, including the original planters on the forecourt and platforms. Sadly neglected, the planters have been revived by the Trust and we hope to work with station staff and travellers to keep them looking as good as the rest of …
Handpainted Signage
We commissioned traditional sign writer Joe Harrison to design and paint new signs for the Wildlife Garden and Apiary at Coram’s Fields. And we asked our resident gardener and carpenter Les Coupland to build a new gate to the garden.
Dorchester South Railway Station, Dorset
The platform-length bed at Dorchester South Railway Station was a wildlife haven when we were called in by SW Railway and Swanage Railway. So instead of changing the space, which was abundant with ground nesting birds, pollinators and myriad creepy crawlies, we simply added to what was there already. We planted 78 verbena plants in …
Wimbledon Park Railway Station, London
In June 2022 – and just in time for the Wimbledon Tennis Championships – we installed this wonderful floral planter at Wimbledon Park Railway Station in London. Filled with pollinator-friendly plants, including rosemary and salvias, the planter was made possible thanks to Transport for London and donations from Bloom & Wild.
