In a world where climate change and its related issues is a growing concern, small but mighty pollinators are crucial to maintaining stable ecosystems. I spoke to Carrie Cort, CEO of Sussex Green Living, who discussed the renature project they have started this year, which is constructing and distributing ‘Pollination Education Stations’ throughout Sussex.

So, what is a Pollination Education Station? It is a structure that includes a pollinator palace, a haven for all sorts of pollinators, as well as a herb bed at the bottom and an educational plaque, explaining its importance and the action that people can take in their gardens and community. There is a MIDI and MAXI size available for purchase. The MIDI is 150cm tall, 105cm deep and 50cm wide costing £500 without being stuffed with herbs and materials and £900 to be stuffed. The MAXI is 180cm tall, 130cm deep and 80cm wide and costs £600 without being stuffed and £1000 to be stuffed. A mini version can be seen on the Sussex Green Living Float that makes its way around Sussex at events.

Carrie said that ‘as a charity it is really hard to secure grants, so we are aligning ourselves to collaborate with businesses’. Sussex Green Living hosts ‘Lunch and Learns’ where Carrie or one of their professional environmental educators deliver lunchtime talks and presentations to staff at businesses to encourage individuals to take small green steps to be more environmentally friendly. The charity has set up (with help from PMW Marketing Ltd based in Billingshurst) the Green Business Network - a way of collaborating with businesses. Not only can charities book a ‘Lunch and Learn’ through the network, but they can also select Sussex Green Living as a charity to fundraise for. Envitia, a digital data company based in Horsham, have done fundraising events for Sussex Green Living such as a photograph competition and a ‘dress in green’ day.

In terms of how businesses can support the Pollination Education Station project, businesses can sponsor a station to go outside their place of work or a local school. The Pollination Education Stations are an excellent and easy way to encourage eco-friendly practices and will include a sign stating who sponsored it. More information on the Green Business Network, how to join and why it is beneficial can be found on the Sussex Green Living website (https://www.sussexgreenliving.org.uk/businesses/) and equally, more information on how you can support the Pollination Education Station project can be found on the website (https://www.sussexgreenliving.org.uk/renature/).