A creative approach to heat mitigation

When it comes to the urban heat island effect, Penrith isn’t going to just ‘let it bee’, instead coming up with a creative solution to reduce temperatures in the City.

Penrith City Council unveiled the “Let it Bee” wildflower meadow at Grey Gums Oval Cranebrook last month. The meadow is the first of its kind, with a host of native wildflowers that are suited to Penrith’s climate planted in a bee shape.

Council will collect suitable seeds from the meadow for propagation at Council’s nursery, helping to enhance biodiversity.

The project was awarded funding under the NSW Government’s Greening the West Walk program. The meadow is on the route of the Great West Walk which is a 65km walk from Parramatta to the base of the Blue Mountains.

The temporary meadow will help to transform the clay soil at the site to allow the future planting of 78 new trees. These trees will help reduce temperatures along the walk.

Penrith City Council’s General Manager, Warwick Winn, praised the garden for its innovation and sustainable approach.

"By planting these trees, we're raising community awareness of the understanding of heat and the importance of cooling the Penrith LGA, which plays a key role in Council's Cooling the City strategy.” Mr Winn said.

With the inclusion of signage, seating and bee hotels, the site provides a fun and educational experience for residents as well as the benefits to the local environment.

For more information visit Penrith.city/LetitBee