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At the heart of Liverpool, St Johns Shopping Centre is home to some unexpected residents that are drawing attention: thousands of bees buzzing away in discreet rooftop hives. Over recent years, these insects have become an integral, yet lesser-known, part of the shopping centre’s environment. In fact, several members of the centre’s staff have even undergone training to become beekeepers, taking on the care and maintenance of these busy pollinators.
The journey began in 2021 when two beehives were installed atop the shopping centre, with a third hive added the following year. During the height of summer, the total bee population across these hives swells to approximately 180,000. Their industrious efforts have paid off this year with a substantial honey harvest, yielding enough to fill around 150 jars. Local schoolchildren have been involved in the project by helping to create labels for the honey jars, linking the community closely with this initiative.
This environmental endeavour emerged from a partnership between St Johns Shopping Centre and NG Bailey, the company responsible for managing maintenance at the site. The idea was born out of a desire to contribute positively to the environment, leading to the installation of the initial two hives. Subsequently, five staff members have embraced the new skill of beekeeping, managing to combine their routine duties with the care required by the hives.
Reflecting on the experience, Kieron Jones, the maintenance supervisor, shared his thoughts on BBC Radio Merseyside: “I never thought it would be part of my maintenance routine to look after beehives. When it was suggested, it piqued our interest and we thought this is another skill set we can get, and it lets us give something back, so it was really good.” The hives themselves occupy a subtle spot on the shopping centre’s roof, situated near the landmark St Johns Beacon, quietly sustaining the local bee population while adding a unique dimension to the centre’s identity
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