Bees now have the opportunity to reside at Kew Gardens' fresh pollinator accommodation.
The "Seed Stories" installation, a captivating blend of art, science, and sustainability, has recently been unveiled at Wakehurst Kew's wild botanic garden in West Sussex. Created by visual artist Kristina Pulejkova, this unique project aims to support pollinator conservation in the UK.
## Key Features
The installation comprises four wooden sculptures, meticulously crafted from untreated marine plywood and cedar wood. These materials, chosen for their environmental compatibility and natural antifungal properties, provide a safe haven for bees[1][2]. The sculptures function as pollinator hotels, offering refuge during extreme heat, with entrances designed based on bee preferences and colors tailored to the bee's visual spectrum[1].
## Augmented Reality Integration
Innovative augmented reality (AR) technology has been integrated into the sculptures, accessible via an app. Scanning each sculpture presents an educational story about a particular seed from the Millennium Seed Bank, focusing on the facility's role in climate preservation, biodiversity, and global food security[1].
## Scientific Collaboration
Pulejkova collaborated with Dr. Janine Griffiths-Lee, who leads the 'Trees for Bees' habitat restoration initiative. This collaboration ensures that the design is based on scientific data regarding bee preferences[1].
## Pollen Collection and Research
The installation enables researchers to collect pollen left behind in the hotels, facilitating the study of which species are attracted to specific tree types[1].
## Contribution to Pollinator Conservation
By providing pollinator hotels, the installation helps create habitats for bees, offering them safe places to rest and nest, especially during heatwaves[1]. The AR component educates visitors about the importance of pollinators and the role of the Millennium Seed Bank in biodiversity conservation, raising awareness and supporting conservation efforts in the UK[1]. The installation also aids in the study of pollinator behavior and preferences, contributing valuable data for future conservation strategies[1].
"Seed Stories" is part of the "Seedscapes" exhibition running from 4 July to 14 September 2025 at Wakehurst, Kew's wild botanic garden. The project serves as a practical contribution to pollinator conservation in the UK, addressing the alarming decline in the bee population[3]. Beyond its visually organic design, "Seed Stories" emphasizes the importance of seeds in the future of biodiversity and pollinators, informing nature-based solutions to challenges like climate change and food security.
[1] Based on provided bullet points. [2] Marine plywood and cedar are known for their natural antifungal properties. [3] The bee population is declining at an alarming rate, as highlighted by "Seed Stories".
The "Seed Stories" installation, integrated with augmented reality technology, combines environmental-science with homely elements such as home-and-garden design, aiming to educate visitors about climate-change and the importance of sustainable lifestyle choices that support pollinator conservation. Additionally, this project, situated at Wakehurst Kew's wild botanic garden, utilizes environmental-friendly materials like untreated marine plywood and cedar wood to create four pollinator hotels that not only conserve bees but also contribute valuable data for future conservation strategies in the realm of environmental-science.
