Train operator Govia Thameslink Railway has unveiled the tiniest station in Britain.
On Monday 3rd April, the station at London Blackfriars, which is in fact a bug station, was revealed
The station is part of a living art installation which is made up of seasonal plants and flowers to promote biodiversity. The floral station was created by Alice McCabe.
The bug station is another eco project among many that Govia Thameslink Railway are carrying out across the network. Previous eco projects have included working with London Wildlife Trust Consultancy to carry out ecological surveys at different sites to better monitor and improve them. Blackfriars is the Govia Thameslink Railway's most sustainable station.
It is made up of colourful bulbs and utilising common problem species in gardens like nettles and dandelions within the station. Plants such as nettles and brambles are key species to promoting the presence of bees, butterflies and moths.
The message of the project is that even small things can be done to help the planet and that biodiversity should be considered before removing ‘nuisance' species.
The train operator has also been handing out free wildflower seed packets at selected stations. Similar bug stations can be recreated following steps on the Wildlife Trust page.
On Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th April, the press will have access to Blackfriar's terrace to take photos and interviews.
Jason Brooker, Head of Environment at Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “This living art installation is a visual reminder about the little things we can all do to help the planet. Rather than cutting back wildflowers and nettles, we should consider the wildlife that these plants help to support, such as bumblebees, caterpillars, butterflies and moths. This is something we're actively changing at GTR to ensure the maintenance of our stations is balanced with supporting wildlife.
“Over the coming year, we'll be looking to increase biodiversity at specific sites and we'll be sharing guidance and expertise with our station partners and communities so the work can be mirrored across our entire network. We hope the new Bug Station at Blackfriars will encourage people to get creative in their own gardens and outside spaces!”
David Mooney, Head of the London Wildlife Trust Consultancy, said: “There are lots of simple things people can do at home to encourage and support wildlife, such as building log piles to attract bugs and beetles, installing bird and bat boxes, or growing a patch of wildflowers. We're delighted that Govia Thameslink Railway is passionate about biodiversity and encouraging their passengers to get involved.”
