Earlier in summer 2024 we were approached by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service seeking advice about making Bilbrook and Codsall Fire Station more wildlife friendly. Planters had been made and donated by the inmates at Oakwood Prison and rather than just the usual eye candy flowers, the station crew wanted to have plants and flowers which were wildlife friendly.
During a couple of days in June we planted up pollinator friendly varieties; some grown at home, some from the Repair Cafe plant swap and some purchased from Kingswood Nurseries in Albrighton. The Friends of Bilbrook donated the plants and peat-free compost from funds raised by South Staffordshire Council community lottery.
The planters at the front are for the enjoyment of insects and passers-by. The bench and planter at the rear of the station is there to give the firefighters somewhere to relax and unwind, possibly after a hard day on a shout.
All the plants will be watered using plant-friendly rainwater which is collected from the roof of the station. The rainwater is also used to clean the fire engine and flush the toilets. The plants will provide a feeding stop over for insects, which we are trying to encourage into the village centre.
