SP Energy Networks has partnered with conservation charity Buglife to turn unused land at electrical substations into a connected network of wildflower-rich habitats.

The Pollinator B-Lines project focuses on repurposing land at sites including Busby, Leven, Livingston East, and Drumcross. By replacing barren grass patches with nectar-rich grasslands and nesting sites, the initiative creates "stepping-stone" habitats that allow insects to move, feed, and breed across the landscape.

Work at the Busby site has already seen the installation of bespoke bee posts, designed by Tom Angel Studio and crafted from untreated Scottish Larch by a Glasgow carpenter. These posts provide essential nesting space for solitary bees and wasps. Additionally, 150 metres of native hedgerow have been planted at the location, with further plans to sow wildflowers into the existing grassland.

Kelly Murray, Conservation Officer at Buglife Scotland, said: "Many of Scotland's bees, butterflies and hoverflies are struggling in today's modern landscapes. Creating safe, connected spaces for them to feed and nest is essential. By working with SP Energy Networks, we're transforming unused land into a network of wildflower-rich habitats that reconnects the Central Belt. It's a simple idea, but one that can make a meaningful difference, support wildlife recovery and help nature thrive again."

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The project includes the development of long-term management plans for each substation to ensure the habitats remain viable for years to come. This initiative is a core part of SP Energy Networks' Action Plan for Nature, which aims to reverse biodiversity loss through targeted restoration.

Tayler Henderson, Sustainability Specialist at SP Energy Networks, added: "Partnering with Buglife has allowed us to breathe new life into the land around our substations, creating new wildflower habitats across the Central Belt. By investing in habitat creation and a long-term commitment to managing these sites, we're helping to build a more resilient environment for wildlife across the region while we build the network needed for a cleaner and greener future."

She continued: "At SP Energy Networks, we're committed to minimising our impact on nature and improving our understanding of how our network interacts with the surrounding environment to deliver 'nature-positive' outcomes. Our partnership with Buglife is a brilliant example of that in action - in fact, you could say it's the bees' knees!"

With approximately 240 of the UK's 270 bee species being solitary, the provision of dead plant stems and holes in wood is vital for their survival. The project feeds into Buglife's wider UK-wide B-Lines programme, which aims to restore 150,000 hectares of flower-rich land to help wildlife move more freely between the countryside and urban areas.