Nine new ‘living roof’ bus shelters have recently been installed on Royal Parade as part of our citywide upgrade with new provider Clear Channel.
The shelters have been planted with a specially selected mix of native wildflowers and sedum, chosen with the Wildlife Trusts, to provide a natural habitat for bees and other pollinating insects.
As well as boosting biodiversity and being visually attractive, they help to absorb rainwater, provide natural cooling, filter fine dust from the air and produce oxygen.
They’re inspected and watered fortnightly (using harvested rainwater) and this is increased to weekly or twice weekly during very hot spells.
They’re also checked seasonally for weeds, grass and dead vegetation, as well as any debris.
Sedum changes colour and leaf structure naturally throughout the year and some can turn red during droughts, strong winds and frosts. This is normal and they will revert to their green hues over time, retaining moisture within their stems and leaves ready to regrow.
All of the shelter cleaning and maintenance is provided by Clear Channel, at no cost to the Council, as part of their contract.
In total, 36 living roofs will be installed, mainly in the city centre but some in other parts of the city, including Crownhill, Devonport and Plymstock. More than 200 shelters will also be solar-powered.
Hear more about the new shelters from Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change.