As part of The Mall’s ongoing sustainability plan, to coincide with World Bee Day (Thursday 20th May) the Luton shopping centre has recently installed their very own beehive!
Located on the centre’s car park roof, the installation of the brand-new beehive forms part of The Mall’s eco committee relaunch and sustainability plan and will see a further two beehives installed later this year.
Following conversations with Bedfordshire Beekeepers Association, The Mall’s General Manager Roy Greening has been working alongside the association’s chairman Colin Hall – also a local beekeeper with almost 50 years’ experience to gain insight into beekeeping ahead of the installation. The Mall has also enlisted two of the centre’s very own volunteers to look after the bees – Tracey Bateman, Business Manager and Tina Hall, Administrator. Alongside receiving one to one help and mentorship from Colin, both members of staff will complete online training as part of their membership with Bedfordshire Beekeepers Association to become certified beekeepers.
The new beehive offers a secluded location, encouraging the bees to fly up and out and spread their wings for up to five miles. See picture above. The Mall Luton Mall Management 37 The Mall Luton Bedfordshire LU1 2LJ 01582 412 636
Roy Greening, General Manager at The Mall Luton, commented: “We’re delighted to announce we’ve recently installed our very own beehive, as part of our ongoing sustainability plan. Located on The Mall’s roof, we’ve been working closely alongside the chairman of Bedfordshire’s Beekeepers Association, finding the perfect location to ensure we offer the bees a happy home!”
Roy continued: “Two of our very own staff members have kindly volunteered to look after our bees and will be fully trained by the end of the year as beekeepers. The bees seem very happy in their brand-new home and have already started to produce some honey! We’re now looking forward to installing a further two beehives by the end of the year and we can’t wait to update you all on our progress!”
Tina, one of The Mall’s volunteers proudly watching upon the bees!
