Brighton’s first plant-topped bus shelter launched

The solar-powered shelter is located in Palmeira Square in Hove.

The Living Roof Bus Shelter, also known as a Bee Bus Stop, has a roof planted with a mix of wildflowers and sedum plants, which are rich in nectar and a favourite of bees and other pollinating insects.

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As well as helping pollinators, the shelter also absorbs rainwater, supports the city’s biodiversity and is powered entirely by solar energy.

It’s fitted with a smart lighting system, which only turns on when a passenger is present to further minimise its environmental impact.

All elements of the new shelter are fully recyclable and it has been paid for, installed and will be maintained by Clear Channel UK, who maintain the city’s bus stops.

The new plant-topped bus shelter is located in Palmeira Square in Hove

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Phélim Mac Cafferty opened the new shelter, stating it “doesn’t just look great, it will be a little haven for wildlife”.

“We all know that there has been a serious decline in biodiversity and insects,” he said. “And the green roof on this bus stop is a perfect way to give nature a breathing space.

“But this is also about humans- pollinating insects are a key part of the food chain with so much of what we eat dependent on pollination.

“The Bee Bus Stop is just another example of how we’re working to improve the city’s biodiversity, climate and air quality year-round. I’d really like to see many more of them around the city.”

The new plant-topped bus shelter is located in Palmeira Square in Hove

Clear Channel managing director Will Ramage said he hopes the shelter can inspire more councils in future to follow suits.

“For many years, the country has looked to Brighton and Hove City Council for inspiration on how to become more environmentally sustainable,” he said.

“We’d love to see the Living Roofs in every town and city across the UK and Europe, having a tangible and positive effect on our planet.”

The Bee Bus Stop’s installation follows quickly after a petition launched by Brighton and Hove resident Yazmin Muir which asked for Bee Bus Stops in the city after seeing Clear Channel Living Roofs in Utrecht, Netherlands.

The petition has been signed by almost 50,000 people.

Yazmin said she has been blown away by the response to my petition.

“When I first saw one in the Netherlands, I was so impressed how effective and creative it was and I wanted to see more of them where I lived,” she said. “I think they should be everywhere.

“I love living in Brighton and Hove and the more we can do to support the city’s environment and sustainability the better, and this is another great step.”