The Pollenize Story

We founded Pollenize CIC in 2018 as born-and-bred Plymouthians (and best friends) Matthew Elmes and Owen Finnie.

What started as an unassuming initiative to create better access to beekeeping equipment and local honey has since evolved into a dynamic organisation dedicated to addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

Initially inspired by the benefits of local honey in mitigating hay fever symptoms, we established a network of 11 community apiaries across iconic sites in Plymouth, including the National Marine Aquarium, Royal William Yard, and the Devonport Column. These apiaries provided opportunities for public engagement and a chance to share in the honey crop.

However, as the seriousness of pollinator decline became increasingly evident, we broadened our mission. Recognising the need for a holistic approach to biodiversity, we have shifted our focus to eco consultancy, biodiversity surveys, wildflower meadow creation, and Asian hornet mitigation.

While beekeeping remains an important part of our heritage, we are now committed to tackling the wider issues affecting ecosystems and biodiversity.

Seven years on from our humble beginnings, we have embarked on an incredible journey fueled by our passion for pollinators and the environment.

Through academic partnerships, innovation, and AI technology, we are pioneering new ways to monitor and improve biodiversity, enabling insects to recover and ecosystems to thrive. As a result, we have emerged as a leading force in environmental research and social change within Plymouth and beyond, striving to create a healthier, more sustainable planet for all.

Two people sitting on a wooden structure next to a field of sunflowers under a partly cloudy sky.

The Team

  • Man wearing a black shirt with "Pollenize" logo, standing against a bright yellow background.

    Owen Finnie

    CO-FOUNDER

  • Portrait of a man with a beard wearing a black shirt with "Pollenize" logo, against a yellow background.

    Matthew Elmes

    CO-FOUNDER

  • Smiling person with long brown hair in front of yellow background

    Shelley Glasspool

    HEAD BEEKEEPER

  • Smiling person with straight blonde hair and a nose ring, wearing a black shirt with a white logo, on a yellow background.

    Brittany Clarke

    MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

  • Josh Syrett

    PROJECT SUPPORT

  • Smiling person wearing a white t-shirt with 'Pollenize' and 'Minerva' logos, posed against a vibrant yellow background.

    Jack Elmes

    PROJECT SUPPORT & DRONE PILOT

  • Person with glasses and long red beard wearing a white shirt with a "Pollenize" logo, yellow background.

    James Modica-Cliff

    FORMER DATA SCIENTIST

  • A person with long brown hair and a nose ring is smiling, wearing a white shirt with the logos "Pollenize" and "Minerva." The background is bright yellow.

    Lucy Elmes

    NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Man wearing a Pollenize t-shirt against a yellow background.

    Jack Harman

    NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Smiling man with beard wearing a black "Polleize" t-shirt, standing against a yellow background.

    Ross Sinclair

    VOLUNTEER VIDOEGRAPHER

  • Person smiling with a yellow background, wearing a white shirt with the logo 'Pollenize Minerva' and a necklace.

    Erin Browne

    FORMER AI, DATA AND MACHINE LEARNING SPECIALIST

  • Will Bayfield-Farrell

    FORMER INTERN ECOLOGIST

Two business awards for Pollenize CIC from PlymouthLive.
Award certificate for Plymouth Social Enterprise Festival 2023 Messenger Award presented to Pollenize CIC for raising awareness in social enterprise.

 Funding Partners

 Strategic & Scientific Partners

  • Eden Project

  • Biodiversity Pollinator Strategy

  • Gov 25 Year Environment Plan

  • Climate Change Mitigation

  • Cornwall Council

  • Mount Edgecumbe Apiary

  • Plymouth City Council

  • Public and Corporate Support

  • Agritech Cornwall

  • Roslin Institute

  • Plymouth University

  • Green Minds

  • Plymouth Apiary Network

  • Impact Lab

  • B4 Project

  • SWCTN

  • Rewilding Seeds For Schools