Northallerton is buzzing as TPE station welcomes new residents
TransPennine Express (TPE) has installed beehives at one of its train stations – and they’re already creating quite a buzz with customers and staff.
Two thriving hives, home to around 60,000 honeybees, have been placed on a patch of unused land next to the car park at Northallerton station, clearly visible from Platform 2.
The bees will be looked after by local experts Band of Bees, whose dedicated beekeeper will care for the hives year-round.
Any honey produced – potentially up to 100 jars a year – will be offered to TPE staff in exchange for donations. All proceeds will go towards funding further biodiversity projects at the station or supporting local wildlife charities.
Steve Gilder, Environment Delivery Lead at TPE, said: “The land and habitats around the station make it the perfect place for our pollinators. They’ll forage for up to three miles in every direction, collecting nectar and pollen from flowers, trees and plants before returning to the hives.”
“By hosting honeybee colonies in partnership with Band of Bees, we’re helping boost local bee populations and improve the health of the colonies. In turn, that supports pollination, which means more productive gardens, allotments and farms – and greener, more vibrant spaces for everyone.”
Bringing bees to Northallerton is just one of several eco-initiatives introduced at the station in the past year. Other improvements include the installation of an air source heat pump to cool and heat the waiting room; new planters including an edible garden; and habitat boxes for birds and bats.
The station also debuted a specially designed planter that captures, uses, and stores rainwater before slowly releasing it into drains.
The planter captures water runoff from guttering before it can enter drains, helping to reduce the risk of local drainage networks being overwhelmed during storms, leading to flooding or pollution.
Steve added: “Our beehive project at Northallerton may seem small, but it plays a vital role in supporting one of nature’s most important pollinators. It’s a meaningful step toward improving biodiversity, not just at this station, but across the wider railway network.”
“At TPE, we’re committed to making a real, lasting difference to the environment – and this is just one of many initiatives you’ll start to see at our stations that reflects this drive towards a railway that is good for nature.”
Tom Szpitter, from Band of Bees said: "We’re thrilled to be partnering with the environmentally conscious team at TransPennine Express, who are not only moving people across the North but also championing a greener, more sustainable future. Their commitment to the planet makes them the perfect match for Band of Bees.
At Band of Bees, we’re on a mission to spark curiosity, celebrate nature, and make a real difference to the environment one hive at a time.
Every time we step into a hive, it’s nothing short of magical. The hum of the colony, the harmony of nature at work it never fails to inspire awe. Through this collaboration, we’re giving people the chance to experience that wonder up close, while learning just how vital bees are to our world and the challenges they face.
Together, we’re creating meaningful moments and greener futures all through the power of pollinators."
For more information about Band of Bees visit bandofbees.com.