Sniffing out Japanese knotweed
To boost biodiversity in the local area, our Thames Tideway Tunnel team have created London’s largest artificial insect nesting structure known as a bug hotel.
Located at our Barn Elms site, the bug hotel has been integrated into a newly built kiosk, that houses crucial mechanical and electrical components responsible for managing the West Putney storm relief combined sewer overflow.
The outer walls of the kiosk are constructed from a variety of biodiversity friendly materials such as stone and timber to provide a range of safe places for a variety of invertebrates to hide, hibernate or reproduce. The placement and orientation of the kiosk was thoughtfully planned to maximise the chances of a diverse array of invertebrates thriving. Helping the invertebrate population will have a positive impact on the surrounding environment and can promote a healthy ecosystem through a range of ecological processes such as pollination and enriching the food chain.
The addition of contemporary artwork, commissioned by Tideway, to the kiosk also helps ensure that as well as supporting the ecology of the surrounding area, the bug hotel is aesthetically pleasing to local residents using the footpath between the kiosk and Beverley Brook.
