Hundreds of plants of 17 species, from geraniums to lemon balm, have been planted on the Fly Tower of Norwich Theatre Royal, forming a significant part in the theatre’s environmental pledge.
Ahead of Norfolk’s Healthy Environment Day tomorrow [Saturday 10 June] at The Forum, the green wall was installed as a part of Creative Matters: Climate Stories and the theatre’s desire to meet its sustainability commitments.
The wall will provide food and herbs that can be used in the theatre’s in-house restaurant, Prelude, as well as being a sanctuary for wildlife: in fact, this week while being watered, a bee was already spotted visiting.
Head of Facilities and Sustainability at Norwich Theatre, Martyn Herbert said: “We are excited to have our wall planted and to already be seeing its benefit to insects and wildlife in Norwich! It took several hours to plant, and we will be up the tower to water it regularly while it gets established. As a theatre, there are many ways we can look internally at what we’re doing to better our carbon footprint and our impact on the environment. We are already looking into the next step for the green wall, which is to install bee hives near the wall and hopefully start producing Norwich Theatre honey!”
Creative Matters: Climate Stories is a year-long season focusing on climate change and uses creativity to explore the climate crisis. It uses storytelling through activities and performances to stimulate discussion and make connections.
Stephen Crocker, Chief Executive and Creative Director of Norwich Theatre, said: “Creative Matters is a mixture of stage shows, workshops, projects and collaboration with our partners across Norwich and Norfolk. It’s our way of getting the public involved and platforming different stories and experiences of climate change.
“Inspired by the Climate Stories being told on and off stage and our desire to use creativity to influence our collective future, this year we will also make our own commitment to sustainability, and by the end of the year we hope to share our formal net zero pledge.”
Norwich Theatre will have a stand at Norfolk’s Healthy Environment Day this Saturday, held at the Forum, about how they are addressing their impact on the environment as part of its Creative Matters season.