England: Special rooftop garden inaugurated at Gtech Community Stadium

12.08.2024 11:01 source: StadiumDB.com; author: Paulina Skóra

The Gtech Community Garden has opened in Brentford, providing a place where Bees fans and the local community can enjoy their time during visits to Gtech Community Stadium.

Highlighting the importance of nature

The garden, located at Lionel Road South near the stairs leading to the West Stand, was created to emphasize the importance of nature in the community and is part of ongoing efforts to protect and enhance the environment. The development of this space was supported by Brentford’s official partner, Gtech, and was designed by Cultivate London, an independent social enterprise and charity dedicated to improving the natural environment in London.

The garden at Gtech Community Stadium features nearly 25 species of plants, including wildflowers like boxwood flowers, as well as ornamental and mixed herbs such as sage and rosemary. Many of these plants were planted by fans from the Sustainability Working Group, who regularly meet with the club to discuss various initiatives in this area. The working group consists of fans from Bees United, the Brentford Independent Association of Supporters (BIAS), and Sustaina-Bees, an independent group of Brentford supporters who are knowledgeable and concerned about the environmental crisis.

Gtech Community Stadium © AFL Architects

The diverse plant species in the garden attract various pollinators such as hoverflies, moths, and bees, whose populations are declining in the UK and globally. To support the bee population, a solitary beehive was created, providing them with a safe place to nest. The Gtech Community Garden also features a memorial plot, a special area where tribute will be paid to deceased Brentford supporters.

Space for everyone

James Beale, Brentford’s Sustainability Manager, said: We are delighted to have transformed this space at Lionel Road into a community garden that everyone can enjoy.

The garden’s opening took place before the final friendly match against Wolfsburg. Members of the Sustainability Working Group attended the event, distributing seed ball boxes that fans could take home and plant to increase biodiversity in their area.