Sweet charity at British Gypsum logistics hub
Love them or hate them, bees are an essential part of the environment and play a pivotal role in food production.
That is why colleagues at British Gypsum’s Gotham logistics hub have installed beehives to encourage biodiversity while raising vital funds for a local charity.
David Wood, Site Operations Manager, made a beeline for a disused corner of the site, which stores 1,000,000m2 of plasterboard, 60 trailers, 30 tractor units, and is home to over 100 staff members.
He explained: “A few years ago we identified that we had a considerable amount of space left empty on site so instead of laying tarmac or concrete we decided to plant native hedging and wildflower meadows to feed the bees.”
The once neglected spot is now home to 100,000 bees in two beehives and is buzzing with natural life including an acre of native grass, two wildflower meadows, and planters filled with pollinators to feed the bees.
According to Friends of the Earth, over 20,000 species of bee are facing extinction, for example due to pesticides and climate change. Since 1900, the UK has lost 13 species, and a further 35 are considered under threat of extinction.
A bounty of 50 jars has been produced and sold; proceeds from the sales will be donated to Steps, a specialist centre in Loughborough which supports families with children who have motor impairments.
David ended: “Enhancing biodiversity will benefit our colleagues, the local community, and allow bees to thrive. Every drop of honey is connected to Saint-Gobain’s purpose of Making the World a Better Home.”
