Bee Corner has transformed a neglected Salford space into a green oasis

On Sunday 14th August, Bee Corner in Salford will be celebrating its first birthday, by inviting anyone with an interest in bees and nature to come along to see their urban green space.

Tucked away behind Islington Mill, on James Street, Bee Corner is a wonderful beekeeping initiative set up by apiarist, Amber McCormack, which offers urban beekeeping experiences in the heart of Salford.

The land is owned by Salford Council and leased to Islington Mill and the bee team itself is a project of the Islington Mill Foundation Charity.

With a massive volunteer effort and support from funders, Amber and the team have managed to transform what was a sad, neglected space into a green oasis where people and pollinators can thrive.

‘Api Bee Day’ will mark a year since the team – together with local councillor Ray Mashiter – got the project established.

“We have been trying to bring a little green haven to honey bees, insects and all sorts of wildlife,” says Amber.

“Bees are crucial to our life on Earth – they pollinate about 70% of all the food we eat so it is important that we look after these bees that are facing all sorts of threats in the environment, pollution, parasites and diseases.

“At Bee Corner we educate people about the needs of bees and all sorts of other pollinators so that we can all be more aware of the world and how to help nature.”

The hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed; in the last few days it has been announced that Bee Corner has been nominated for a Springboard Hero Award.

For anyone who would like to know more or get involved, Bee Corner offers a whole range of activities as well as ‘bees for wellbeing’, which is a social prescription course, where people can be referred by health care professionals for bee-keeping experiences to help their health and mental wellbeing.

Amber has also been running craft activities during the Bee Corner monthly open days.

So far this year they have made seed bombs, badges, keyrings, magnets, Bee Boost (little vials of sugar syrup to help bees), honey lemonade, bath salts, and lavender wands. 

The ‘Api Bee Day’ is free and is a drop-in event on Sunday 14th August from 2pm-5pm at Bee Corner, Behind Unit 5, Regent Trading Estate, Salford M5 4DE.