Arco’s busy bees create wildlife haven in heart of industrial complex

Staff at one of Hull’s biggest employers have helped create a wildlife haven in the middle of an industrial complex, including a thriving beehive.

The site was created on disused land next to Arco’s national distribution centre in Priory Park, Hessle.

As well as the colony of honeybees, which has settled in well after being introduced in late summer, the area also features a woodland walk, which will have bluebells and snowdrops flowering in the spring, a natural pond that is already attracting frogs and other small animals, and a seated area so staff can soak it all in.

The site’s potential was spotted by staff from Arco’s hose division, which relocated to a new £2m purpose-built facility in Priory Park following the demolition of its Waverley Street office as part of the A63 upgrade.

Work on transforming the area into a wildlife haven began in the summer.

Alex Richards, head of hose & export at Arco, said: “The garden is a perfect reflection of our team, as we have repurposed old hose fittings into planters and have recycled old wooden pallets into benches.

“It’s been an amazing team effort to create, with many colleagues helping in their personal time to develop the area into what has quickly become a great little wildlife haven and a natural space for people to enjoy a moment to relax during a busy day.

“We are so proud of this wonderful and mindful space and are all really looking forward to seeing how it will further develop over time.”

As well as the wellbeing benefits for staff, the project is also good for the environment by bringing a previously unused piece of land into use through the planting of flowers, the creation of animal habitats, and the introduction of bees to increase pollination in the area.

Danny Hobson, head of ethics and sustainability at Arco, said: “This project has created a beautiful oasis within a busy industrial complex.

“Biodiversity is so important to our world and our hose division has created an environment for wildlife to flourish.

“As a responsible business, Arco is committed to our climate and to making a meaningful difference by continuing to explore and action all the ways we can make a positive impact, from cutting emissions to investing in fleet and waste management and ensuring best practice in circularity through sustainable product development, packaging solutions and product recycling capabilities.

“It also means that Arco fully supports great initiatives like the garden that has been created by our colleagues at our hose division.

“The garden looks fantastic, and I’d like to thank all those who have put the time and effort into rewilding this area. I know it will be enjoyed by both people and animals for many years to come.”