The Netherlands' fourth largest city, Utrecht, has transformed 316 bus stops into “bee stops” to combat the country's declining bee population and improve urban biodiversity.
The clever bee sanctuaries combine the structure of a traditional bus stop with a "green" roof of grass and wildflowers to attract the pollinators. They're maintained by city workers who drive around the city in electric cars — though they've been designed with sedum plants that need very little water or upkeep to survive.
Home to 358 different bee species, more than half are classified as endangered and have been placed on the Dutch Red List of threatened species.
"Not only do bee stops support the city’s biodiversity by attracting honey bees and bumblebees, they also help capture fine dust and store rainwater," according to Lonely Planet.
Utrecht has introduced a similar funding programme for residents, allowing them to transform their own roofs into bee sanctuaries — so keep an eye out for these new buzz-worthy pitstops on your next trip to Utrecht!