Busy stations are stung into action

Nature lovers could be making a bee-line to three High Peak train stations once the coronavirus lockdown is over.

Their friends’ groups are talking about organising safaris - from Glossop, Hadfield and Buxton - to track down the elusive Bilberry Bumblebee and any other bees that are buzzing around.

The idea came from a talk at Bradbury Community House by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust’s Rhodri Green.

Glossop station’s Neil Williams and Mary Arnold were there and were stung into action by what they heard.

Group chairman Neil said: “Rhodri was passionate in particular about the rare Bilberry Bumblebee telling us how lucky we are in Glossop and High Peak to have this particular species on our doorstep. 

“Both Mary and myself saw the potential to promote their work at the station with the bee friendly gardens that we maintain there.”

Talks followed with Rhodri and Darcey Gillie, who already runs bee identification safaris in and around Glossop.

The idea to get Glossopdale and the rest of High Peak ‘buzzing’ took off.

Neil went on: “I then got in touch with Joy Hallsworth at Hadfield (station) and Dave Carlisle at Buxton (station to ask if they would like to be involved in a shared project.  

“Both said an enthusiastic yes and also with Becky Styles at Northern and High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership officers, to get their backing too.

“All are keen to promote Buzzing Stations!” 

BUSY: The Bilberry Bumblebee. Picture by Steven Falk.

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust has been working since 2018 on a project called Pollinating the Peak.

This has involved work which they have given the name Buzzing - hence Buzzing Schools, Buzzing Communities and Tourism and now Buzzing Stations.

On Friday, the three friends groups took part in a 90 minute online meeting with Rhodri and Darcey to develop the Buzzing Stations concept. 

Added Neil: “We are quite excited by the project. There is the potential for bee safaris from our stations and other work involving children. 

“Clearly ongoing Covid-19 restrictions mean that station-based activities will not happen until these are lifted. But in the meantime we can plan and keep a look out for our very special Bilberry Bumblebee.”

The High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership covers the Hope Valley Line through the Peak District National Park as well as working with local communities and train companies to improve stations and train services on the Buxton to Manchester Line and the Glossop to Manchester Line.

Main image:

BEE-AUTIFUL: Glossop Station’s bee-friendly garden.