The town centre of High Wycombe has become a sanctuary for thousands of bees, thanks to the environmentally friendly roof of the Eden Shopping Centre.
The Eden Shopping Centre, located in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, is a remarkable retail and entertainment complex that not only houses more than 107 shops but also engages in environmentally responsible practices.
District Beekeeper’s Association
In collaboration with the High Wycombe and District Beekeeper’s Association, the centre is drawing attention to its rooftop beehives. Earlier in the year, a striking bee mural was crafted by Robin Eckardt, a local contemporary artist.
This initiative was part of Eden’s ongoing commitment to supporting the community, offering Robin a platform to showcase her artistry while championing a noble cause.
Robin expressed her initial apprehension about the mural’s vast scale but was eventually able to complete the project with the support of the Eden team.
The mural, painted directly onto a red brick, required multiple layers of paint to achieve the desired vibrancy and detail. Despite the challenges posed by the enormous size and brick surface of the mural, Robin worked diligently to bring the stunning design to life.
Ingeniously, Robin integrated two round security cameras into the artwork, representing the eyes of the Queen bee. The mural’s central location in the town centre not only allowed Robin to promote her work but also brought joy to many passersby, with some making it a point to observe the mural’s progress daily.
Many expressed gratitude to Robin for adding a touch of brightness to the area, hoping that the mural continues to spread joy for years to come.
That said, the Eden Shopping Centre proves to be more than just a major retail destination boasting a cinema, library, extensive car parking facilities, and a host of retailers and stores.
It is an integral part of the town’s redevelopment and regeneration, actively supporting both the High Wycombe town centre and the wider community through projects like the rooftop beehives and the bee mural.
Featured Image Credits: “Manchester Bees Mural” by David Dixon is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
This image is used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the mural in High Wycombe.
