The story began in August with operations manager, Maureen Rodger. "I knew that Apex City of Bath housed bees on the roof and it's something I'm really passionate about. When I found out it was possible for us to offer a home too, I jumped into action."
Maureen learned about two local hobbyist beekeepers known as TenaciousBees who were looking for homes for some industrious insects. Without hesitation, Maureen and the hotel generously volunteered their space to provide sanctuary for the bees.
As a nature-lover, Maureen has an understanding and appreciation for the vital role that these pollinators play in our ecosystem. "Because our hotel is right in the heart of the city centre, I wasn't sure we would have the right environment for the bees so was delighted when I found out we could house them on the roof."
To ensure the comfort and well-being of their newfound residents, Apex City of Glasgow working with TanaciousBees opted for an innovative solution - a styrofoam hive. While traditional wooden hives are commonly used in beekeeping practices, the location presented unique challenges. The styrofoam hive offered superior insulation properties compared to its wooden counterparts, providing a warmer environment for the bees during colder months.
The team embraced the opportunity with fondness and determination. They recognised that even within an urban landscape like Glasgow's city centre, there is room to coexist with nature and contribute positively towards its preservation.
The arrival of these 10,000 bees at Apex City of Glasgow serves as a powerful reminder that small acts can have significant impacts on our environment. This initiative showcases how businesses and individuals can come together to create meaningful change and foster sustainability within our urban spaces.
"The beekeeper, Caroline, has been fantastic and comes to check on our new friends every week," says Maureen.
"When we talk about Wildlife Conservation Day, many people forget about bees but they need our protection and may die out if we don’t act now."
Factors such as climate change, pesticides and habitat loss are putting bees at risk. If bees lose their homes, they can’t reproduce and pollinate meaning certain plants, and some of our favourite fruit and vegetables, will die out.
As part of our dedication to green tourism and sustainability, we want to do our part to save the bees and, along with the new residents in Glasgow, 40,000 friends to bee our guests with special accommodation on Apex City of Bath’s exclusive bio-diverse roof space.
The Apex City of Glasgow's dedication to the well-being of these bees is a testament to their commitment to environmental responsibility and serves as an example for others to follow.
As the bees continue their buzz-y work, pollinating flowers and contributing to the delicate balance of nature, let us bee inspired by their resilience. We bee-lieve we can make a difference.