Green Gown Awards 2019 - University of the West of England - Finalist

The 2019 FRENCHAY BEELINE project is an eye-catching scheme to bring nature into the heart of the University. The planting is based on a theme of “Edible Pollinators” allowing our staff, students and visitors access to free herbs, fruit and vegetables, while also helping to enhance Biodiversity across the campus. 

The project consists of 30 locations across UWE’s Frenchay Campus and aims to attract both pollinators and people using the tag line “Follow the Bee”. Each site has plans to include all of our four key elements; Perennial Edible Pollinators, Seasonal herbs/vegetables/flowers, Fruit trees and an Engagement space. The project is managed using our four key principles of; Home grown, Accessible for all, Zero waste, Demand led. 

Planting schemes have been designed around ten key Edible Pollinators, this core planting is then supplemented by seasonal edibles and high performing pollinator plants on a continuous basis throughout the year, dependant on staff/student demands. 

Top 3 learnings 

• Using the passions of our staff in specific and specialised areas has helped make this project a success. 
• Being allowed to develop the project at our own pace means we have a sustainable project we can improve and develop over time. 
• Staff have been empowered to “try it” - this has resulted in us having far more successes than failures.