A NEW bee bank has been created at a York nature reserve to help local wildlife to thrive and encourage natural biodiversity.

Employees from Lend Lease’s Hungate development site took part in an annual community day, aimed at promoting health and wellbeing, which took place at St Nick’s Nature reserve near Melrosegate and Hull Road.

The day was held in collaboration with the Blueberry Academy, which provides specialist support for adults with learning difficulties.

A spokesman said: “The creation of a bee bank at St Nicks Nature Reserve was a part of Hungate’s commitment to the area and is in line with its drive to support nature and the local environment.

“Now that the initial work has been done, the new bee bank will be left to settle amongst nature for the next six months, before additional planting takes place in the spring.”