Together with the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment and the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, we have created 'bee-friendly' flower borders for pollinators, the public and health-care staff to benefit from. The project helped GP surgeries to create borders with nectar-rich herbaceous perennials. These are attractive to bumblebees and other pollinators and also benefit patients, staff and visitors. The project was supported by Smiths of Bletchington and Postcode Local Trust.
The Bee Healthy gardens are an inspiring example of how small, urban, green spaces can contribute to expanding the availability of food for pollinators. The Bee Healthy gardens have also been important for the wellbeing of people. Specifically, these spaces have been very popular among NHS staff working during the Coronavirus pandemic:
“The bee garden is a source of great enjoyment every morning when we come into the surgery. Lots of people have commented on the flowers appearing. Especially in these strange times, it provides a nice distraction and a reminder of the natural world, oblivious to it all.” – GP, Summertown Health Centre
In autumn 2019, the 'Bee Healthy' project successfully created bee-friendly green spaces at:
Each green space was created with around 15 different plant species. Early analysis of these green spaces showed positive results in terms of attracting pollinators.
Natural Health Service – Guardian article 2017
Prescribing Green Space – is it important? NHS Forest
Health benefits of natural environments rich in wildlife: A literature review for The Wildlife Trusts. Dr Rachel Bragg, Dr Carly Wood, Dr Jo Barton and Professor Jules Pretty
Green Gyms – there are several in Oxfordshire – see our Directory
Green Health Routes – Marston, Oxford
Find more opportunities for care farming
