Planters, Parks, and Pollinators

In 2023, Pollinator Pioneers took their environmental message beyond the apiary and into the heart of the community. Their new project, “Planters at the Park,” aimed to fill Brooklands Park in Lancing with pollinator-friendly flowers and shrubs — small pockets of colour and life that would feed bees, butterflies and other vital insects throughout the seasons.

We were proud to help sponsor the project. Over several weekends, volunteers from across the community — families, retirees, school groups — came together to dig, plant, and nurture. Other organisations and charities helped in the project – Creative Waves, Friends of Brooklands Park, Adur Council and many more. There was mud on shoes, laughter in the air, and a real sense of shared purpose. By the time the final planter was in the ground, the park already felt transformed — not just physically, but emotionally.

Alongside the planting initiative, we also continued supporting the charity’s education work by funding a Meet the Bees session for the Shoreham Scout Group. Dozens of young people got the chance to step into the world of bees, learning how pollinators are essential to both our food systems and our natural landscapes.

For the scouts, it was a chance to earn badges and build awareness. For us, it was another reminder of why we keep returning to this partnership: it connects people of all ages to the natural world in a tangible, inspiring way.

The year ended with an unexpected treat — jars of HoneyBun’s own honey, labelled and shared with our team. Every spoonful carried a story of community and care.

Summary:

2023 was a season of growth — in parks, in partnerships, and in understanding. From planting flowers to nurturing young minds, Pollinator Pioneers continued to show that conservation isn’t a concept; it’s a community effort, one seed and one bee at a time.

To see how Pollinator Pioneers are transforming local spaces into pollinator-friendly sanctuaries — and how you can join in — visit pollinatorpioneers.org.uk. Their sponsorship page has information on how to fund planting schemes, sponsor hives, or roll up your sleeves for a community event. A single flower bed can make a world of difference.