Buzz at Northallerton railway station as beehives land on unused site

Buzz at Northallerton railway station as beehives land on unused site










Northallerton railway station is buzzing with new arrivals after the installation of two beehives nearby.

TransPennine Express (TPE) has installed the beehives on unused land next to the car park at Northallerton railway station, clearly visible from Platform 2.

The hives are now home to around 60,000 honeybees and are already attracting attention from passengers and rail staff alike.

Two beehives have been installed near Northallerton station (Image: TransPennine Express)

Steve Gilder, environment delivery lead at TPE, said: "The land and habitats around the station make it the perfect place for our pollinators.

"They’ll forage for up to three miles in every direction, collecting nectar and pollen from flowers, trees and plants before returning to the hives."

The bees are being cared for by Band of Bees, a local beekeeping organisation.

A dedicated beekeeper will maintain the hives throughout the year.

The project is part of TPE’s wider environmental efforts to improve biodiversity and promote sustainability across the rail network.

A dedicated beekeeper will maintain the hives throughout the year (Image: TransPennine Express)

By supporting pollinators and their habitats, TPE aims to contribute to healthier gardens, allotments, and green spaces in the surrounding area.

Mr Gilder said: "By hosting honeybee colonies in partnership with Band of Bees, we’re helping boost local bee populations and improve the health of the colonies.

"In turn, that supports pollination, which means more productive gardens, allotments, and farms – and greener, more vibrant spaces for everyone."

If conditions are right, the bees could produce up to 100 jars of honey each year.

TPE plans to offer the honey to staff in exchange for donations, with all proceeds going toward biodiversity initiatives at the station or supporting nearby wildlife charities.

The beehive project is just one of several environmental improvements introduced at Northallerton station over the past year.

Other upgrades include an air-source heat pump for the waiting room, new planters including an edible garden, and habitat boxes for birds and bats.

The station also features a specially designed planter that captures and stores rainwater from guttering, releasing it slowly to prevent local drainage systems from becoming overwhelmed during heavy rainfall.

Mr Gilder said: "Our beehive project at Northallerton may seem small, but it plays a vital role in supporting one of nature’s most important pollinators.

"It’s a meaningful step toward improving biodiversity, not just at this station, but across the wider railway network."

The partnership has been warmly welcomed by Band of Bees.

Tom Szpitter, from Band of Bees, said: "We’re thrilled to be partnering with the environmentally conscious team at TransPennine Express, who are not only moving people across the North but also championing a greener, more sustainable future.

"Their commitment to the planet makes them the perfect match for Band of Bees."

He said the project is about more than just honey.

Mr Szpitter said: "Together, we’re creating meaningful moments and greener futures all through the power of pollinators."