STAFF at Oswestry's orthopaedic hospital have been "busy bees" as they seek to encourage pollinators on its site..

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital has put its names down for Operation Pollination, a scheme that recognises the importance of pollinator habitat, both restored and maintained on public and private lands.

The initiative is happening in collaboration with the Borderland Rotary Club in a collaborative Rotary project.

Chris Bryan-Smith, president of Borderland Rotary Club for 2022, said: "The local council, along with several businesses, schools and organisations have already signed the pledge, so we’re delighted to have the support of RJAH too.

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"Given the breadth, severity and persistence of pollinator loss, it is critical to expand efforts to reverse these losses and help restore pollinator populations to healthy levels."

The League of Friends to the Oswestry-based hospital has also signed up for the project with hope that its volunteer will also support the initiative.

The first initial plan is to clear and prepare a green space on the hospital's field to add a wildflower to host birds, mammals, insects and invertebrates to increase the biodiversity of the area.

Victoria Sugden, charity director for the Friends, said: "We are so pleased to be supporting such a lovely and crucial project.

"Forward thinking and planning to include more hospitable habitats and greenspaces, such as planting wildflowers, will help in a small but important way to restore the bee and butterfly population."

Sian Langford, Facilities Compliance manager and Sustainability Lead at RJAH, added: "This initiative aligns perfectly with our Green Plan and sustainability objectives within the Trust.

"We are committed to embedding sustainability across the organisation as part of its ongoing aspiration to deliver world class patient care, and the NHS wider target to achieve Net Carbon zero by 2040."