Pillars of support for Derby’s biodiversity

Biodiversity is set to flourish in Derby as 15 new Living Pillars are installed across the city centre, bringing natural beauty into urban spaces.

Living pillars are self-contained vertical habitats attach to existing lamp posts and signage columns, supporting pollinators and improving the look and feel of the city.

Powered by solar energy, each pillar is self-sufficient, collecting and recycling rainwater to keep its plants healthy year-round. In addition to their environmental benefits, the pillars will support wayfinding throughout the city, guiding residents and visitors to key destinations and attractions.

Funded by Bauer Media Outdoor UK’s Community Innovation Fund and designed and installed by Scotscape, Living Pillars are a step toward reintroducing nature to the heart of the city.

Planted with resilient, long-lasting species such as Agastache ‘Summer Sunset’, Coreopsis ‘Rum Punch’, Heuchera ‘Coral Petite’ and Juniperus ‘Mint Julep’, the pillars are carefully designed to provide year-round colour and structure, while offering vital food and shelter for urban pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.

Building on the success of the recently installed planters and parklets around the city centre, the pillars are another step towards enhancing biodiversity and creating a greener, more vibrant city.

Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Transport and Sustainability, said:  

“Living Pillars will be a brilliant addition to the work we’ve been doing over the past few months to bring more life into our city centre.  

“We’re serious about our commitment to creating a greener, healthier city that supports our residents, and the installation of these pillars is another step towards achieving this.”

Angus Cunningham, Scotscape Founder, said:

“Derby has shown bold leadership in embracing living infrastructure, which not only support biodiversity but also champion innovative, sustainable design in its urban spaces.”

Nigel Godfrey, Portfolio Partnership Manager, Central Region at Bauer Media Outdoor, added:

“It’s great to see ideas like this come to life in the heart of Derby. These Living Pillars are a small but mighty way to bring nature back into the city, and we’re proud to support them through our Community Innovation Fund. Alongside our Bee Bus Stops, they demonstrate how even everyday infrastructure can help boost biodiversity when creativity and sustainability work together to make public spaces greener and more enjoyable for everyone.”

Living Pillars are part of an ongoing partnership between the council and Bauer Media Outdoor, who operate the digital advertising screens housed under the innovative Bee Bus Stops located across Derby.

The installation of Living Pillars reflects Derby’s wider environmental strategy and its commitment to creating greener, healthier places for people and nature to thrive.

Work to install the pillars is currently underway and will be completed later this summer.