A trail of Manchester bees has been installed in Norden

Local residents should 'bee' on the lookout in Norden to see if they can spot some new inhabitants around the village.

The new ‘Norden Bee Trail’ includes 22 locally cast Manchester bees which have been placed on shops, buildings and other spots along Edenfield Road.

The installation is the work of ward councillor Peter Winkler who has created the trail, stretching from St. Paul’s Church to the Turf Tavern.

The worker bee became a symbol of Manchester following the hard work and ‘hive of activity’ during the Industrial Revolution and represents the city’s innovative and enterprising past.

Bees can be found gracing various surfaces across Manchester from bins, lampposts and bollards to the floor tiles in Manchester Town Hall and in the city’s coat of arms, granted in 1842.

 

 

Councillor Winkler said: “A few years ago I worked on the project to reinstate the rose beds and perennial borders opposite St. Paul’s Church. The council did a wonderful job and as these have grown in they have become a natural attraction to bees and lots of other insect life.

“This year I asked for the beds to be revitalised as a few patches had become ‘bald’.  As part of that project I built two bug hotels which are now nestled amongst the plants.

“At the same time I spoke with an old friend who I found had some casting moulds from the Manchester Bees and this is where the idea for the trail came from. Starting at St. Paul’s and stretching approximately one mile to the top of Caldershaw Road, Norden now has a trail of 22 Manchester Bees which are carefully located on buildings and other landing spots.

“It’s a walking trail that everyone can follow and I have plans underway to conclude the route with a special bee-themed installation on the grassed area on Caldershaw Road beside the Turf Tavern.

“Whilst the trail will have a special significance to many people, I hope that it is also fun for children (and adults) try and spot all 22 bees along the route.”

A number of shops and local business in Norden have become home to a bee and anyone wanting to get their own Norden Bee Trail Manchester Bee for their home or garden can buy one from local florists, Garden of Eden.

A donation from each bee sold will go to charity.