Group is buzzing thanks to local firm
A project to create a bee keeping and visitor centre in Shropshire is buzzing after a major donation from a county building firm.
Galliers Homes has become the first company to support the scheme, handing over a cheque for £2,400 to the Shropshire Beekeepers Association.
The association is aiming to raise a total of £45,000 to complete a new apiary, wildlife and historical site in Nobold Lane, Shrewsbury, called the The Busy Bees and Ancient Wells centre.
“We would like to thank Galliers for their substantial donation. Their generous gift will help enable us to move another significant step forward with our plans to repair this interesting environmentally and historically significant site and to make it fully accessible to the public and all local community groups,” said David Draper of the association, a charity which promotes beekeeping.
“Galliers deserve praise for recognising the multiple potential benefits of the project and for being the first local company to support our endeavours.”
David said he hoped that other local companies and businesses would follow Galliers’ example as although the centre, which includes ancient wells dating back to the 16th century, is open to the public now, further donations or grants were needed complete the ambitious restoration project.
Sonya Bagley, of Galliers Homes, based on Shrewsbury Business Park, said that the firm was happy to provide support.
“It is a very worthwhile project which we think will attract a good deal of interest, as well as being of huge benefit to the environment. Our donation will go towards a new car park for visitors,” she added.
The site is being leased to the association, which keeps its bee hives there, from the local authority on the basis that it is restored.
With its volunteers and limited resources it has managed to clear and improve much of it and now wants to reinstate walkways and observation platforms around the ancient wells and produce information boards, a bird hide and more.
David Draper added that the land was home for a wide variety of birds, insects, newts, frogs, toads and other invertebrates, wetland and wild flowers.
He added: “It would be of considerable interest to the general public, schools and other groups and we aim to open it on a more regular basis to increase awareness of bees and their value in pollination and food production.”
