Students from the Shotley peninsula will find a new bike shelter at the University of Suffolk will be doing a lot more than keeping cycles safe by becoming a haven for wildlife.

The lockable shelter, which is near the entrance of the University's Arts building have been designed to attract birds, insects and small mammals to the area.

Working with Dan Monck from Essex-based Green Roof Shelters, this latest project supports the University's travel and biodiversity plans.

Justine Oakes, Sustainability Manager at the University of Suffolk, said: "Small green roofs can help extend ecological corridors, linking habitats in a fragmented urban space.

"Our cycle shelter compliments the main green roofs on the Waterfront and James Hehir building, providing vertical surfaces for insect and small mammal habitation, with horizontal surfaces planted to provide nectar and pollen, or trap pockets of water during the drier months which we hope will attract pollinators and the birds that predate on them."

She said the roof is planted with two small bug banks and a number of plant species such as Birdfoot Trefoil which will be attractive to solitary bee species.

"We will be adding to this seed mix throughout the year until we get the species mix right for the positioning.

"We even have a blue tit box and a useful information board, all of which we hope will get people thinking a bit more about wildlife in an urban context, whilst enjoying an uplifting cycle to the University and back".

Nigel Lucker, Director of Estates at the University of Suffolk added: "The provision of cycle parking and its security are essential for supporting the development of cycling as a practical transport choice, particular as more people opt for electric bicycles to extend the commuting season and range of commuting distances."

"And of course, a built environment that supports not only good health and wellbeing, is frequently underpinned by improved urban ecological habitats."

Dan Monck of Green Roof Shelters said: "Our shelters have deep (150-180mm) planted and seeded green roofs for locally appropriate wildflowers, providing good nectar sources. 

"They are also delivered with habitat fixed to the sides of shelters, nesting places for beneficial insects and birds plus our versatile cycle locking bars are securely attached to the shelter so no extra groundwork and no litter trapping."

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