Relinea Takes a Buzz-Worthy Step Toward Biodiversity
As proud members of Digital Infrastructure Ireland and supporters of the DCs for Bees initiative, Relinea is excited to announce our latest step in supporting biodiversity and sustainability. We’ve officially joined the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP) and taken our first hands-on action by creating a bespoke GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) pollinator-friendly planter, using sustainable practices and bee-friendly plants.
This initiative stems from a growing awareness that pollinators across the island of Ireland are in serious decline. A major contributor to this is a lack of diverse, year-round food sources. The AIPP provides a shared roadmap for businesses, local authorities, community groups, farmers, and individuals to help reverse this trend and build a pollinator-friendly landscape.
At Relinea, sustainability is more than just a buzzword, it’s a core value. That’s why we challenged ourselves to get creative with our resources. Our in-house team came together to construct a unique GRP planter using off-cuts and surplus materials from existing projects, materials that might otherwise go to waste. This upcycled approach not only reduces environmental impact but also showcases the versatility and durability of our GRP solutions.
Once the planter was complete, we headed to our local garden centre in Glenavy, choosing to support a nearby small business that shares our passion for horticulture and the environment. With expert advice, we selected six pollinator-friendly plants designed to provide a rich and varied source of pollen and nectar throughout the seasons.
These included:
• Potentilla fruticosa ‘Goldfinger’ – a hardy shrub with vibrant yellow blooms
• Sage (Salvia officinalis) – a fragrant herb loved by bees
• Lavender – a classic pollinator favourite with calming scent
• Sea Breeze Pink Erigeron – dainty daisy like flowers known to attract a variety of insects
Each plant was chosen not just for its pollinator value, but also for its ability to thrive in our climate, ensuring long-term impact and low maintenance.
The implementation of the AIPP is overseen by the National Biodiversity Data Centre, and it serves as a crucial response to the challenges pollinators face, particularly the honeybee, solitary bees, and hoverflies, all essential for the pollination of crops and wild plants.
“We’re proud to be part of this movement and to take practical action,” said Marlene Gray, Relinea’s DCs for Bees Ambassador. “Our planter may be a small step, but it reflects a much larger commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community.”
As part of our ongoing sustainability strategy, we will continue to look for opportunities to improve biodiversity, reduce waste, and contribute positively to our local environment, and we have more planters in the production line.
