“It started a few years ago when we constructed an insect hotel at TPCE. This is a wooden framework where insects can find refuge, lay their eggs and hibernate. The next step was to construct a pond. It’s been great to see it being used by dragonflies, frogs and salamanders. In the evening, bats swoop over the water, catching insects.

 

 

Who else was involved? 

“For some of these biodiversity projects, TPCE is working closely with Groenwerk De Winning, a local social economy employer. They installed the insect hotel and are bringing their expertise to gradually transform the environment around the facility from a lawn and concrete dominated scenery to a less controlled, more biodiverse environment where wild flowers thrive.“ 

Tree planting activities have been organised on several occasions, involving TPCE employees and the local community. Through tree planting, we create a natural corridor between the industrial zone, where we are located, and the surrounding farmland. This will enable animals to easily migrate from one side to the other; as if our 100,000 square metre warehouse wasn’t there at all!” 

 

How did the environment change? 

“Invasive exotic trees were eradicated and replaced with native species, to create the ideal environment for native birds, insects, rabbits, etc. The grass is no longer cut every month, but only twice a year to allow the wild flower meadows to flourish.” 

 

Discovering an “insect hotel”. 

Insect hotels are helping to enhance the traditional industrial environment in Diest (Belgium). 

Insect hotels provide different nesting options for a variety of insects.

Our Parts Logistics Centre in Diest is actively promoting biodiversity in collaboration with the local Natuurpunt organisation. 

Less mowing allows nature to flourish.

And the future? 

“We are planning an insect garden around the insect hotel to attract and feed more bees and other insects. Creating this bee-friendly environmental is crucial, as bees are important pollinators that are essential for the food chain and biodiversity in general.

 

The garden will also give employees the opportunity to take a breath of fresh air during their lunch breaks - Belgian weather permitting! For this purpose, a discovery pathway is being constructed, to enable us all to enjoy the results of the biodiversity landscape that we have been creating.” 

Is that a yellowhammer I can hear singing? 

“Yes! The yellowhammer is a small farmland bird that is under threat from modern agriculture. It won TPCE’s internal elections to become the ‘cherished neighbour’. 
 
The yellowhammer is basically the group’s mascot and great efforts have been made to take care of it. Actions include making sure that hedges and woods are managed carefully to create the perfect habitat for this little bird.” 

The yellowhammer can be heard singing around our parts logistics site in Diest (Belgium).