Pollenize and MVV: Sustainability and Community Engagement
In the heart of Plymouth, , MVV Environment Devonport operates a cutting-edge energy from waste plant that has been making strides in sustainability. Over the past couple of years, Pollenize has proudly partnered with MVV in a collaborative effort to promote biodiversity, educate local communities, and make a positive impact on the environment.
MVV’s Commitment to Sustainability
MVV’s energy from waste plant at North Yard, Devonport, plays a crucial role in waste management for the South West Devon Waste Partnership. This state-of-the-art facility not only deals with non-recycled or non-composted waste from Plymouth, Devon, and Torbay but also generates electricity and usable heat through combined heat and power (CHP) technology. This sustainable approach helps conserve valuable fossil resources and reduces carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to a greener and cleaner future.
Becoming a Pollenize Business Patron
MVV Environment Devonport Plymouth joined Pollenize as a business patron at the end of 2021. As part of this partnership, MVV hosts a Pollenize research apiary at their site, providing a home for a colony of European native dark honeybees. Monitoring and conducting research on the bees helps us to better understand their behaviour, genetics, and needs. The data we gather helps us to inform our ongoing research and development projects. Our collaboration with MVV allows us to combine forces in advocating for the importance of pollinators and biodiversity in the local ecosystem.
Inspiring The Next Generation
MVV is more than just an environmentally responsible company; they are actively committed to inspiring the next generation of eco champions. In September 2022, the Pollenize team had the privilege of presenting to the students of Fletewood School, sharing the significance of pollinators and giving them a firsthand look at the honey extraction process from MVV's hives. The children helped us to label the honey jars for the MVV staff and even had the chance to take home a sample of this sweet reward!
The children were highly enthusiastic and captivated by the pollination-to-honey transformation, we really love this part of our job and captured this special afternnoon on a social media video.
Promoting Biodiversity Around MVV’s Plymouth Site
In 2023, the Pollenize team conducted several bioblitzes in the vicinity of MVV's hives, as well as in nearby wooded areas. To date we have made over 330 observations of 126 different plant species at the MVV site, which can be viewed as a project on the Inaturalist app. These surveys are aimed to identify the plant species naturally present in the area as well as what might be missing. To further enhance the local ecosystem, we planted seeds for a mini meadow in March, providing vital resources for our honeybee colonies and other pollinators.
Moreover, the team at MVV’s Plymouth site consistently display great enthusiasm during our weekly beehive inspections, ensuring the well-being and thriving of the bees. One team member even has a personal passion for beekeeping.
MVV Environment Devonport’s Open Day
MVV‘s commitment to community engagement was clear when they invited us to join their open day in August 2023. This event was designed for families and individuals, providing an exclusive opportunity to tour their energy from waste plant and gain insight into their innovative work.
A highlight of the day was our interactive "get the pollen in the hive" activity, which was a hit with both kids and adults. This game essentially involves tossing coloured bean bags into one of our artistically decorated community beehives, effectively transforming the intricate process of honeybee pollination into an engaging and educational activity.
We were also delighted when MVV generously facilited 50 complimentary packets of our native wildflower seed packets for the visitors to our stall. This gesture helped empower members of the public to promote biodiversity in the local area.
Acknowledging a Pollenize Champion: Jane Ford
We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Jane Ford, the Communications and Community Relations Manager at MVV UK. Jane has been a driving force behind many of our collaborative projects, tirelessly championing sustainability and community engagement. Her dedication and passion have made our partnership with MVV Environment Devonport all the more meaningful.
As we look forward to another year, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Thank you to MVV for being a valued partner on our journey toward a greener future, enabling us to continue our efforts in aiding pollinating insects.
