Sorry if this has been discussed before. (I did a search and couldn't find it but there was 1748 'bus' related topics. Collectively we need to get out more. Probably not on the buses though.)

Has anyone noticed that some of the bus stops on West Street have had grass planted on their roofs?

Very, very odd.

Anyone know why?

I was wondering the same thing!

Whats going to happen when they grass gows long? I cant see them getting a lawn mower up there!!??

I bet they look cool from above!

Is it grass, or have they chosen something that stays short?

Originally posted by Strix
I bet they look cool from above!

Is it grass, or have they chosen something that stays short?

I don't know Strix. We need someone from one of the flats on West Street to report on this...

Are they camouflage? Perhaps they are to avoid spy satellites from knowing the exact route of the 50 to Dore?

Could be environmentally friendly 'green roofs'.....

It would be lovely if it was comomile - hmmm camomile lawns on bus stops - wonder how long it will be befoe some drunk is found fast asleep up there one morning ....

I wouldn't fancy getting the mower up there!!!!!:heyhey:

I wondered what crackpot scheme the council were spedning their troad works budget on nowardays and now we know....

I bet it's something to do with the city in bloom competition thing.

Green roofs provide a much needed habitat for insects and other invertebrates and they also help to soak up water to prevent flooding in heavy rain. When they used on buildings they act as insulation and so help to conserve energy. I think it's very forward thinking of Sheffield to put green roofs on bus stops.

You can read more about green roofs here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3054706.stm

all well and good but they are bus shelters....

Originally posted by anna_scott
Green roofs provide a much needed habitat for insects and other invertebrates and they also help to soak up water to prevent flooding in heavy rain. When they used on buildings they act as insulation and so help to conserve energy. I think it's very forward thinking of Sheffield to put green roofs on bus stops.

You can read more about green roofs here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3054706.stm
imagine slugs on yer head while waiting for the number 60 to dore.

1 doesnt not like that idea ;)

Originally posted by robbie
I wondered what crackpot scheme the council were spedning their troad works budget on nowardays and now we know....

Bus shelters are provided by the bus operators, and not by the council.

Originally posted by redrobbo
Bus shelters are provided by the bus operators, and not by the council.

Are you sure Robbo?

Whilst it may not be "the council", don't shelters and bus-stops fall under the umbrella of the SY Passenger Transport Executive (as opposed to "bus operators") which has council funding and council representation on the board?

Can anyone confirm, or give us a photo, that these are actually "green roofs" as opposed to just natural colonisation of dirty shelters?

EDIT:

I've just done a bit of homework and can confirm that shelters, bus-stops, etc. are provided by and maintained by SYPTE.
Councillors are on the board of the SY Transport Authority (which supervises and sets policy for SYPTE) and Bob Kerslake is on the board of SYPTE.

and one of the claims of the local lib dems in Crookes was getting proper bus shelters put in

These roofs are part of the 'Entende Florale' competition that's going on, along with the statues outside the Town Hall.

They are placed along the judging route only (i.e. West Street) and are meant to demonstrate green roofs.

There was a leaflet explaining this in the Botanical Gardens at the weekend where they were growing some of the turf.

I like this idea so I'm not going to knock it. It can't cost very much to set up a green roof, and it does give a habitat for insects, which then go to feed birds. They're doing this in London now on rooftops, as these spaces are just areas which otherwise would go to waste, and they might as well form habitat for wildlife as stand empty. Makes for a nice bit of shade from the sun too. :)

I like the idea, I love to see greenery, flowers and trees all around but why limit it to the judging route? Surely if the council really believe in the scheme they would do it all over Sheffield and not just to get some gong to add to their collection?

Plants of all kinds help to provide oxygen and dillute pollution and they should be doing it to help produce 'cleaner air' which all, in a small way goes to help reduce global warming doesn't it?

Originally posted by guru
These roofs are part of the 'Entende Florale' ...

Thank you very much for that. All now makes a bit more sense.

I searched for 'Entende Florale' and found link (http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/EasySite/lib/serveDocument.asp?doc=36717&pgid=54553). What a delightful brochure about our city!

(Requires Abode)

Rather interesting idea and do you think it'll be an offense to be found up there sunbathing or having a picnic?

LOL Wallbuilder - next forum picnic at the bus stop on West Street eh?! Handy for the buses and the tram!

Originally posted by 1Man&hisBMW
1 doesnt not like that idea ;)


so you like it then? is it a fetish? if so thats sick :loopy:


:heyhey: :heyhey:

Originally posted by Hels

Plants of all kinds help to provide oxygen and dillute pollution and they should be doing it to help produce 'cleaner air' which all, in a small way goes to help reduce global warming doesn't it?


There's actually evidence to the contrary nowadays, particularly where many trees are concerned and that they actually release more carbon than they absorb (through decomposition of leaves, dead branches etc).

I know it sounds fatalistic but I feel that global warming is inevitable and unpreventable. We (as a race) have known about the likely impact of CO2 emissions since at least the 70s (when I studied Environmental Studies) and have done nothing about it.

OK, locally, all the heavy industry has gone, but it's just shifted to other parts of the world with less pollution control, on a planetary level there is more pollution than ever.

The only answer is by creating a reliable and affordable public transport system which will take away the need for many car journeys. Also if many single car owners got a motorbike or scooter instead then it'd be a step in the right direction.

Turfed bus stops look nice but I imagine that maintainence costs are going to be relatively high. Who's paying for it all? Which departmental budget is it coming out of?

Here are the answers to all your questions!

The green roofs were put on three bus shelters on West Street by Groundwork Sheffield (groundwork-sheffield.org.uk), an environmental regeneration charity.
Groundwork Sheffield did this in partnership with SYPTE, to promote sustainable construction and to publicise green roofs. We also wanted to bring a bit of green to the city centre in a fun and imaginative way!

Materials were donated by a green roof company and Groundwork staff volunteered to install the roofs. For more technical details, look at our website.

The roofs were intended as a temporary addition to coincide with Entente Florale, but it would be great to see all Sheffield's bus shelters covered with plants!

PS Green roofs are low maintenance and dont need mowing!

Originally posted by SophieH


PS Green roofs are low maintenance and dont need mowing!

But are we allowed to sunbathe on them?

Originally posted by Mathom
which then go to feed birds

What, like pigeons?

who then cr.. on you/your car?

Originally posted by SophieH
Here are the answers to all your questions!

PS Green roofs are low maintenance and dont need mowing!

I'd love some grass like that...mine's growing like there's no tomorrow.....are you sure it never needs cutting?