I and sustainability teams at the University of Salford enhanced campus biodiversity with the installation of seven Niche bee posts, part of the university’ s Pollinator Strategy. The project supports Salford’ s wider sustainability goals— creating a greener, more engaging estate that connects people with nature while delivering measurable ecological benefits.
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Helping Grounds Teams Deliver for Nature: Bee Posts Boost Biodiversity at the University of Salford
n March 2025, the grounds
I and sustainability teams at the University of Salford enhanced campus biodiversity with the installation of seven Niche bee posts, part of the university’ s Pollinator Strategy. The project supports Salford’ s wider sustainability goals— creating a greener, more engaging estate that connects people with nature while delivering measurable ecological benefits.
Working collaboratively with the Sustainability Department and staff with ecological expertise, the grounds team selected sites that would maximise ecological value and visibility. The seven bee posts were installed across wildflower meadows, urban landscape areas, and the community garden, offering a variety of nesting conditions. Four distinct post designs were used to cater for a broad range of species and landscape settings.
Designed and installed by Niche, the bee posts are high-performance habitat structures developed specifically for solitary bees and wasps. Unlike many decorative“ bee hotels,” Niche’ s commercialgrade habitats are based on ecological evidence and a deep understanding of the target species, ensuring they truly function as productive nesting sites.
Two return visits confirmed the project’ s success. All seven structures showed active use, with several demonstrating prolific nesting. Leafcutter bees, mason bees, and yellow-face bees were recorded, alongside ruby-tailed wasps, potter wasps, and aphid-hunting wasps. This diversity of users highlights both the effectiveness of Niche’ s designs and the careful site selection by the university’ s grounds and ecology teams.
The project also illustrates how well-managed landscapes can support biodiversity without compromising presentation or maintenance standards. Standing deadwood— a critically important but often missing habitat in urban areas— was effectively replaced by these durable, purpose-built structures, providing vital nesting sites in a clean, professional form that suits managed grounds.
For the Salford grounds team, the bee posts have delivered tangible results: thriving pollinator populations, positive engagement with staff and students, and visible progress toward biodiversity goals. With science-led design and long-lasting materials, Niche habitats are helping land managers across the UK create meaningful spaces for nature— beautiful, functional, and proven to work.
28 GroundskeepingJournal. co. uk | November / December 2025