New wildlife haven created for bees and butterflies
A new wildlife haven the size of four football pitches has been created at London Stansted, giving bees, butterflies and other wildlife a place to feed, nest and thrive.
The 3.18-hectare site near Bury Lodge Lane, close to the M11, provides a range of new habitats for wildlife. Species already recorded at the site include the patchwork leaf-cutter bee, large-headed resin bee and cinnabar moth caterpillar, alongside wildflowers such as bird's-foot trefoil, oxeye daisy and Queen Anne's lace.
The restored grassland includes log piles, bee posts, earth banks and shallow scrapes, creating places for insects and other wildlife to feed, nest and shelter. Wildlife began using some of the new features almost immediately.
A new footpath from the Long Stay car park is also being created, providing improved access to the area.
The project is among a number of environmental initiatives highlighted in London Stansted's latest Sustainability Report, published this week, and forms part of the airport's Biodiversity Net Gain commitments linked to its wider transformation programme.
Joshua Stafford, Ecology and Biodiversity Lead at London Stansted, said:
“This project shows how relatively small changes can make a real difference for wildlife. Features such as bee posts, log piles and earth banks provide valuable places for pollinating insects to nest and shelter, and wildlife began using them almost immediately. By combining long-term grassland restoration with these additional features, we're creating a richer and more varied habitat that will support nature and biodiversity for decades to come.”
The habitat scheme builds on other biodiversity initiatives across the airport, including the management of a wildlife area north of the runway, support for rare oxlip flower rewilding projects with the National Trust, and London Stansted's membership of the Essex Wildlife Trust Investor in Wildlife Scheme.
The airport's latest Sustainability Report highlights progress across a range of environmental, community and economic initiatives, including work to enhance biodiversity and create new habitats across the airport site. Full report is available here.