Wild bees project wins first prize from HeidelbergCement’s Quarry Life Award

Biology students Hampus Jarhede and Oskar Lövbom, of Umeå University in Sweden, have studied how to create suitable habitats for bees in limestone quarries since spring. They have shown, in practice, that quarries where limestone is extracted can be favourable habitats for wide varieties of wild bees.

Carried out at cement manufacturer Cementa’s Slite plant in Sweden, the students’ work has resulted in the adaptation of a number of local guidelines. These include indications on the best design of wild habitats for bees and other measures that could be implemented for best effect. It is suggested that these guidelines could also be used at other quarries.

“The guidelines are relevant, clearly presented, and highly transferrable to other sites and quarries, also while they are in operation,” said a member of the judging panel. “Overall, this project contributes valuable improvements towards key aspects of biodiversity and quarry management.”

The final of the Quarry Life Award will be held in Brussels on 5 December, where more than 110 participating projects will have the chance to win a prize. As winners of the first prize in the North Europe section, Jarhede and Lövbom will be given €5000. Winners of the ‘best project’ award will win €30 000.

HeidelbergCement is a global construction material group and its Quarry Life Award is aimed at students and young researchers in the areas of Biology, Ecology, and Landscape Architecture.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/18102018/wild-bees-project-wins-first-prize-at-heidelbergcements-quarry-life-award/