WELCOMING THE NEWEST RESIDENTS TO THE ISLAND

We’re buzzed to announce our new partnership with Alvéole to introduce bees to Chimney Walk.

Alvéole injects nature back into cities through innovative and engaging urban beekeeping initiatives.  Our work with Alvéole has meant that last week, we were able to welcome two bee hotels to The Type Building and Colour Works at Chimney Walk. In a few weeks, we’ll also be receiving a hive on The Ink House, with a queen bee and thousands of worker bees pollinating on the building’s large green roof.

Introducing these new hives to the Island marks a significant step towards enhancing the biodiversity and fostering a sustainable circular economy on the Island. Sugar House Island once had a strong circular economy in the 18th century, with the by-products from the gin distillery mills feeding pigs at an on-site piggery, whose bones and fat would, in turn, go to local bone china factories and soap makers.

Resident gin and rum distillers Jim & Tonic Distillery Co. are leading the way in recreating this circular economy, composting its leftover botanical ingredients with local community gardens, including School 360.  The distillery is working with Mainfreight, the logistics company based on the Island, to plan its upcoming international exports. With the arrival of the bees, we will be harvesting our own Sugar House Island honey, some of which will go to Jim & Tonic, to produce their delicious honey infused gins.

We keen for our local community to get involved with the project in the coming months. We’ll be holding workshops and activities in partnership with Alvéole soon – keep checking our website for more information. To keep up to date on all things bee-related, follow our journey here.