A SMALL patch of land at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's Kernow Building in Pool has been transformed, supporting staff’s wellbeing and the local natural habitat.

With nearly 200 wild orchids flourishing as a result, the transformation was thanks to a biodiversity project which has seen a small patch of land on a busy industrial estate become a thriving haven for wildlife, with signs already present that valuable pollinators are making themselves at home.

Surrounded by the constant sound of traffic and industry, staff at the Kernow Building have worked alongside the trust's estates team to create a greener, more wildlife-friendly outdoor environment that supports biodiversity while enhancing staff wellbeing.

Over the past two years, selected grass areas have been left uncut during the spring and summer months. The results have exceeded expectations.

The longer grass has created a meadow-style habitat that is attracting a range of pollinating insects, including bees, butterflies and hoverflies. A colony of yellow meadow ants has also established itself within the site, creating anthills among the grasses.

One of the most remarkable successes has been the appearance of wild orchids in an area bordering the car park. This year, an impressive 196 orchids have been counted.

Kelly Uren, who works in the Kernow Building, said: "The Kernow Building sits within a bustling industrial estate, but we've been trying to turn our small patch of land into a calm oasis for both staff and local wildlife. By working with the Estates team and allowing some areas to grow naturally, we're now seeing the real benefits of that approach."

The site has also recently celebrated another biodiversity milestone, with what are believed to be leafcutter bees making use of a bee hotel installed to support local pollinators. Staff also recorded a new addition to the species list when a grasshopper was spotted among the vegetation.