News / pollinators
Once drab and lifeless Bristol alleyway could now save a life
A drab alleyway that was given a renewed beginning through a community project could now potentially save a life through a newly installed defibrillator.
The alleyway on Wingfield Road in Knowle, which was once dull and a frequent zone for flytipping, was populated with planters and given a fresh lick of paint as part of Flora Beverley’s Pollinator Pathways Project, which first started in 2024.
Over a year later, Beverley says the defibrillator installed by the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity has elevated the project’s original goal of “improving people’s lives” to now saving one.
is needed now More than ever
The alleyway in Knowle now also has a mural painted by artist Fyona Finn – photo: Fyona Finn
Power supply for the life-saving appliance was installed with help from the husband and wife duo behind Kendrick Renewables, who run a solar panel and clean energy installation business in Bishopsworth.
The project, when first covered by Bristol24/7 in September 2024, was only one alleyway old – a number that has since progressed to seven.
“The Pollinator Pathways Project has grown more than I could have imagined! From starting within our local community, we’ve now completed 7 alleyway transformations across south Bristol,” Beverley said when speaking to Bristol24/7.
She continued: “The project brings together communities to clean and green their local alleyways, removing litter and fly tipping, and replacing it with pollinator-friendly planting and murals done by local Bristol artists.
“The transformations have been taking place over the past year, but this is the first time we’ve been able to add something like a defibrillator. Now, the project can not only improve people’s day-to-day lives, but potentially also save a life too.”
With several defibrillators not being accessible 24/7, a spokesperson from Great Western Air Ambulance Charity sees initiatives like these as “crucial” in providing immediate assistance during cardiac emergencies. This also extends from the charity’s wider initiative to increase the number of defibrillator cabinets available across the city.
They added: “We are currently working on a community initiative to increase the availability of 24/7 publicly accessible defibrillation cabinets in key locations. Defibrillation cabinets are crucial in providing immediate assistance during cardiac emergencies, significantly increasing the chances of survival from less than 10% up to 70%.
“By hosting a cabinet, like the Pollinator Pathways Project, you would not only be contributing to the safety and well-being of the community but also demonstrating a strong commitment to public health and safety.
“Thanks to the generous support of the Sam Polledri Foundation and Bristol City Council, these cabinets are fully funded and free of charge to install.”
Main photo: Flora Beverley
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