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UWE Bristol plant pollinator pathways through campus

Gardener standing amongst the plants

The BEELINE project, launched in 2019 at the University of the West of England (UWE), is a biodiversity initiative aimed at enhancing the local environment, promoting sustainability, and fostering community engagement.

By creating pollinator-friendly spaces, the project brings together habitat improvement with opportunities for staff and students to get involved, including through the University’s ‘MyUWEGardens’ group and the UWEat – Grow – Cook – Eat! LiveWell social prescribing scheme.

Key features of each BEELINE site:

  • Perennial and edible plants
  • Fruit trees
  • Engagement spaces
  • Wildflower meadows

In 2024, over 56,000m² of amenity grassland was replanted with native wildflower plug plants, supported by a new mowing regime designed to help these wildflowers thrive.

UWE staff and students contributed significantly to this effort, planting bulbs over a two-week period. The BEELINE has seen tremendous support from the UWE community, with staff and students also helping to plant native hedgerows and orchards, and care for existing BEELINE sites.

The project’s visibility and engagement grew through the MyUWEGarden newsletter and bi-weekly community gardening sessions, where volunteers helped sow seeds and clear BEELINE beds for spring planting. A major milestone was the installation of a new polytunnel, replacing the University’s outdated greenhouse that was not accessible. This new facility will allow for year-round events and provide an accessible space for all students, staff, and visitors to enjoy workshops and demonstrations. The polytunnel also enables the University to grow plants on-site, which can then be shared with surrounding communities, further spreading awareness of the BEELINE project.

Looking ahead, UWE plans to continue expanding the BEELINE, with a goal of establishing at least 45 fully developed sites featuring edible plants and flowers chosen for their value to pollinators.

UWE were also one of our 2023 Bee Bold winners. The Bee Bold Awards celebrate those organisations who are going above and beyond to transform their local space for pollinators and engage their community in nature recovery. Check out the UWE’s case study on the Bee Bold page to find out more.

You can also visit the UWE Beeline here (opens in new tab) or watch the University’s Beeline video (opens in new tab).

gardener in flowers
Sign reading
Plant box with