The Big Bee Project will give a bee-friendly garden makeover to a community project in need. 
Manchester Arndale is on the lookout for an inspiring charity or community group to support as it launches The Big Bee Project.
With bees under significant threat in the UK from our changing landscape, the new initiative has been set up to inspire Mancunians to make their gardens, streets and communities more bee-friendly.
During the first phase of the project, the centre team wants to hear from local charities or community groups that have a garden or outdoor space in need of a makeover.
Applications can be submitted online at www.manchesterarndale.com/Home/The-Big-Bee-Project until 17 March.
The outdoor space must be fully open to the public, or be open to those who use the group’s services.
Following the judging and shortlisting process, The Big Bee Project will come to life at Manchester Arndale with a family-friendly and Instagram-worthy installation during Easter half term. Shoppers visiting the event will be able to vote for their favourite project to win the grand prize by casting their voting token into a giant honeypot. In return for their vote, each shopper will receive a packet of seeds to plant at home and help save the bees in their own local area.
With expanding cities, new roads and intensive agriculture, many flowers have been lost from the landscape in the UK, leaving bees scrambling to find enough food. Many bee species have declined and two bumblebee species have become extinct in the UK since 1940.[1] Construction output in the North West is 10 times the national average, according to latest figures from the Office of National Statistics.[2]
Lisa Hawkins, Head of Marketing at Manchester Arndale, said: “It’s fantastic to see that Manchester is booming and is becoming increasingly desirable as a place to live, but as our city grows we can still ensure there are pockets of wild spaces where bees can find flowers and food. We can all do our bit at home to create a welcoming environment for Manchester’s much-loved creature.
“As well as offering packets of seeds for our shoppers to take home this spring, The Big Bee Project will reward one of Manchester’s community projects or charities with a special garden makeover for local people and the bees to enjoy for years to come!”
Apply for The Big Bee Project now* until 17 March at: www.manchesterarndale.com/Home/The-Big-Bee-Project
*Terms & Conditions apply.
[1] https://www.soilassociation.org/organic-living/bee-organic/why-are-bees-in-danger/
2 https://www.ons.gov.uk/