Big Yellow Self Storage in Norwich, England, is helping to protect a rare blossom that blooms for a few weeks each year near its property on Canary Way. Bee Orchids, which look as though there’s a bee resting on the flower, were first spotted in 2009 by Chris Durdin, a local wildlife enthusiast, according to the Big Yellow blog. He requested the area be left unharmed so the orchids could continue to flourish. Each spring, the self-storage facility’s employees protect the grounds to encourage the flowers to bloom.
Despite a downturn in weather earlier this summer, this year’s tally of flowers has doubled, with 30 spikes appearing. “At Big Yellow, we know the most important space of all is the environment that surrounds us, and we are keen to enhance local wildlife habitats where possible,” said store manager Gavin Thomas. “We’re really proud to be part of conserving this beautiful flower, and we look forward to its blossom each year.”
The Bee Orchid develops small rosettes of leaves in autumn, which continue to grow through the winter. The plant blooms from mid-April to July and produces a spike composed of one to 12 flowers. It’s commonly found in Central and South Europe as well as the Middle East and North Africa. The Bee Orchid is the county flower of Bedfordshire, England.
Big Yellow has made additional strides to be more eco-friendly. The company has invested in a number of renewable power sources including rooftop solar panels at 14 of its facilities and wind turbines at its location in Merton, England. Most stores also feature energy-efficient lighting, and a few have “green roofs.”
Big Yellow Norwich is operated by Big Yellow Group PLC. The company has 84 locations in the United Kingdom under the Big Yellow Self Storage and Armadillo Self Storage brand names, with most concentrated in Greater London. Its total portfolio comprises 5.1 million square feet.
Sources:
- Big Yellow Self Storage: Big Yellow Norwich Protects Rare Bee Orchids
