• Swindon & Wiltshire Eco
• Friday November 1 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Six businesses and organisations recognised for championing nature

Six businesses and organisations have been recognised for championing nature in the West of England.

West of England metro mayor Dan Norris revealed the six champions of the 2024 Bee Bold Awards on Friday, October 25.

The Bee Bold Awards, launched by the mayor in 2022, highlight the outstanding efforts of schools, businesses, and community organisations that are transforming their spaces into havens for pollinators while inspiring others to take action.

The winners in the The Space for Nature Award category included:

Newland Homes – Great Oaks – This pioneering development earned a Building with Nature Design Accreditation, featuring 84 zero-carbon homes, community allotments, wildlife corridors, and renewable energy, setting a new standard for sustainable, nature-integrated housing.
Airbus – The global aerospace leader, an early entrant in the Bee Bold Awards, has focused on biodiversity by raising awareness among employees and planting a Micro Forest at its Filton site.
Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust – The Trust’s Really Wild Lockleaze Project is driving nature recovery in urban spaces and empowering residents to address the ecological and climate crisis

In the People for Nature Award category, the winners were:
Emersons Green Town Council – Since its creation in January 2023, the Community Nature Reserve has motivated residents to protect wildlife in parks, gardens, and green spaces across Emersons Green.
Redcliffe and Temple Business Improvement District – Collaborating with Avon Wildlife Trust and St Mary Redcliff Church, the BID brought colourful wildflower meadows to central Bristol, showcasing how even small urban areas can contribute to nature recovery.
St Peter’s Hospice – The hospice has turned its gardens into a peaceful, biodiverse retreat, with sensory beds and wildlife-friendly features, creating a space that nurtures both nature and the well-being of patients and visitors.

The mayor said: “Small and mighty bees play a huge part of keeping our environment and food supply going. The Bee Bold Awards are all about recognising the amazing work happening to make the West of England the UK’s Bee and Pollinator Capital.”

“This year’s winners, from local community groups to global businesses, are taking vital action to see nature restored, reconnected, and recovering.”

The Bee Bold Awards are part of the West of England Mayor’s mission to establish the region as the UK’s Bee and Pollinator Capital.

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