PRESS RELEASE

BPCA member John O'Conner Pest Control and Grounds Maintenance divisions have joined forces to work on an exciting project in Letchworth, collaborating with North Herts Council.

Their "Bee Part Of It"  initiative began with a simple vision by Karen, the Pest Control Manager at John O'Conner, to establish a couple of bee hives on their premises. 

However, upon conducting preliminary research, Karen quickly realised that the local area lacked sufficient food sources to sustain an increased bee population. 

Recognising this gap, Karen collaborated with Gareth Towson, the Grounds Maintenance Manager, to conceive a more comprehensive approach. 

With a solid plan, Karen and Gareth presented their ideas to the North Herts Council, with whom they routinely collaborate. The council recognised the merit of our proposal and pledged its support for the project.

A project for the whole community

Karen said:

"To start the project, we collaborated with North Herts Council to plant bee-friendly plants on the UK's First Roundabout, creating a 'bee corridor' through the middle of Letchworth. 

"To further support the bees, we have also worked with residents to introduce wildflower and bee-friendly plants in their gardens. 

"It's not just residents who have embraced this new initiative; local businesses, pubs, scout groups, schools and community garden groups have been involved".

"Bee Part of It" day

In April 2024, John O'Conner organised a 'Bee Part of It' event, during which they undertook guerilla planting and helped local children make bee bombs, bee hotels, and bee watering stations to take home and put in their own gardens. 

Karen continued:

"We were fully supported by Love Letchworth, which maintains Letchworth Town Centre, and Culturewood, which runs local forest schools and outdoor wellbeing sessions."

Other notable participants included local community gardens, which provided bee-friendly plants, and the North Herts Beekeeping Association, which offered invaluable educational resources about bees. 

Chris Mercer, Executive Committee Member of Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association, commented:

"This was a fantastic initiative for bees and all insects. It will be wonderful for our local ecosystem and the wellbeing of the people who are living within the bee corridor."

Sustainable futures

Karen said:

This project envisions a sustainable future, and our efforts have received strong backing from the North Herts Beekeeping Association, which has recognised the critical impact of these initiatives on local bee populations and their natural food sources. 

Karen Green, John O'Conner Pest Control

"As a result of the project's success so far, North Herts Council has enthusiastically requested that we expand this initiative throughout the District, an exciting endeavour that will foster connectivity among towns in the region. 

"Furthermore, we have been allocated a budget to ensure the continuity and expansion of this project in the coming years".

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