Green-fingered Beaver Scouts boost biodiversity at Stalybridge station

A group of enthusiastic Beaver Scouts helped transform Stalybridge station by planting flowers and plants which will help wildlife flourish.

The youngsters, aged between six and eight, rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty as they planted dozens of pollinator-friendly plants in station planters, helping to create a more welcoming environment for bees, butterflies and other insects.

During the visit, the Beavers also learned about the work being carried out by TransPennine Express (TPE) and the wider railway industry to improve habitats for wildlife and make stations greener places for passengers and local communities.

Surplus plants were donated to the group for planting elsewhere, bringing further benefit to the surrounding area.

The project also saw the installation of new bug hotels, which were created following a recent TransPennine Route Upgrade. The colourful additions provide valuable shelter for insects while bringing extra life and character to the station.

Steve Gilder, Environment Delivery Lead at TransPennine Express, said: "The children did a fantastic job on a very warm evening in Stalybridge, where it wasn't just the plants that needed a good drink.

"It's great to combine community engagement with improving biodiversity and green space at our stations. Projects like this help young people learn more about the natural environment while making a real and lasting difference to the places they live and visit."

Passengers travelling through Stalybridge station can now enjoy the colourful displays, while local wildlife will benefit from the new habitats created by the Beaver Scouts' hard work.