Nature above the bus shelters
- Green living roofs now installed on 15 bus shelters around Reading
- The little green oases help increase biodiversity, absorb pollution and improve air quality, contributing to the Council’s climate aims
Microhabitats are buzzing with life above the heads of passengers in Reading while waiting for their bus.
Fifteen bus shelters in the borough now have green living roofs which attract a range of birds, insects and pollinators.
But it might only be when customers climb to the top deck that they realise they are there.
They can be spotted at locations across the borough, including on Caversham Road, Southcote Road, the Milestone Centre and Warwick Road.
Two have been installed on brand new bus stops on the A33 at Rose Kiln Lane (North) which will come into operation as part of the latest phase of the South Reading Bus Rapid Transit scheme.
The little green oases are made up of succulent plants called sedum which provide many environmental benefits.
The plants absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants, improve air quality, provide a wildlife refuge, increase biodiversity in urban areas and are a source of nectar for bees.
They can even play a part in capturing rainfall, help to keep the air cool by absorbing sunlight and create a more pleasant environment.
As well as being cost effective to install, sedum plants are hardy, drought resistant and require minimal maintenance.
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said:
“Taking the bus reduces the number of polluting cars on the road, Reading’s buses are super low emission and now even the bus shelters are eco-friendly. Travelling by bus is a win, win, win for people and the environment.
“As they travel, bus passengers also benefit from catching a glimpse of these surprise patches of greenery which can attract birds, bees and butterflies.
“It is the Council’s, and the town’s, ambitions for Reading to be a net zero borough and we have recently seen that our carbon emissions have fallen by 54% since 2005 – the 12th largest reduction in the country.
“The Council has major projects under way to further reduce emissions in the future but these green living roofs are a great example of how relatively small actions can cumulatively make an impact.”