Bee, bug and bird homes created at train stations

Habitats for bees, birds and bugs have been installed at more railway stations across the South East in a bid to improve biodiversity.

"Homes for Nature" have been installed at Carshalton Beeches and Lingfield in Surrey, as well as Crowborough, East Grinstead and Hurst Green in Sussex as part of a project run to support natural habitats around the stations.

The project, run by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) which operates Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express services, now spans over 10 stations in the region, with more across the country.

A spokesperson for the rail operator said the project was "transforming our sites into welcoming havens for wildlife".

Eloise Rowan, an environment specialist, said: "Through our Homes for Nature initiative, we're helping to spark a vibrant revival of wildlife, nurturing the ecosystems that sustain us all."

As part of the project, two types of bird boxes, bee hotels and hibernacula - a shelter for small animals bugs - have been installed at each station involved.

The habitats have now been installed at 38 stations across the UK.

Other sites in East Sussex and Surrey with the boxes include Glynde, Plumpton, Berwick and Horley.

Currently 172 habitats have been created across the stations involved, with the aim to create 200 in celebration of the bicentenary of modern railway, which began in 2025.

Dr Luke Dixon, director of the Bee Friendly Trust who are involved in the project, said: "The birdboxes, bug hotels and hibernacula will provide homes for hundreds of creatures and improve the habitats around these stations.

"They will be of benefit not just to the creatures but to the rail users whose environments will be enriched."

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