Palmeira Square in Hove is now home to its own ‘Living Roof’, the first in the South of England.

The solar-powered shelter has a roof planted with a mix of wildflowers and sedum plants, which are rich in nectar and a favourite of bees and other pollinators. The shelter not only helps our bee population, but it will also absorb rainwater and will support the city’s biodiversity. Powered entirely by solar energy, with a smart lighting system that only turns on in the presence of a passenger it is designed to minimise environmental impact and additional light pollution. All elements of the shelter are fully recyclable, designed within the principles of circular economy, meaning that at the end of its life nothing will go to landfill.

A petition by Brighton & Hove resident Yazmin Muir, who asked to see Bee Bus Stops in the city after seeing Living Roofs in Utrecht in the Netherlands gained almost 50,000 signatures.

The shelter has been funded, installed and will be maintained by Clear Channel UK, who manage the city’s bus stops. Clear Channel’s managing director, Will Ramage, said:

‘For many years, the country has looked to Brighton & Hove City Council for inspiration on how to become more environmentally sustainable. I’m overjoyed to see the first of the Living Roofs taking root in the seaside city, not only for the benefits it will bring to residents and visitors, but also so it can go on to inspire many, many more councils in future. We’d love to see the Living Roofs in every town and city across the UK and Europe, having a tangible and positive effect on our planet.’

We hope to see more living roofs appearing across The Living Coast helping biodiversity locally. Do send us your pictures if you know of other thriving roof spaces offering homes to nature.

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