Enhancing public transport spaces with biodiversity-focused shelter design
At GW Shelter Solutions, we specialise in the design, supply, and installation of living roof bus shelters that not only serve communities but also support the environment. Living roof bus shelters are being installed in villages, towns, and cities to improve environments and public transport infrastructure, making them greener and more sustainable.
Living roof bus shelters help to support biodiversity and pollinators, helping to integrate nature into transport systems. Whether you’re looking to upgrade existing infrastructure or introduce new eco-conscious shelters into your parish or town, our living roof options provide a practical and sustainable solution.
Why choose bus shelters with living roofs?
Our living roof bus shelters are built with both purpose and the planet in mind. Each shelter features a fully planted, self-sustaining green roof that:
• supports local biodiversity
• creates a habitat for pollinators and insects
• improves local air quality
• reduces surface temperatures and urban heat
• absorbs rainwater and captures particulates, helping to manage stormwater and improve air quality
• enhances the visual appeal of public spaces
Supply and installation of an Arun pitched living roof shelter
These planted roofs don’t just look good – they actively attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping to support bees and other flying insects, and slow the decline in their populations. Living roofs also help mitigate the urban heat island effect and contribute to climate change resilience. By replicating flower-rich grasslands, they support pollinators and extend the ecological life of urban infrastructure. For councils and parish councils looking to modernise street furniture, living roof shelters offer a way to meet environmental goals while creating more welcoming, biodiverse public spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Maintenance of living roof bus shelters
Maintaining living roof bus shelters is essential to ensure they continue to deliver their full range of environmental benefits, from supporting native biodiversity to improving air quality in urban areas. Regular inspections help keep the roof bus shelters in optimal condition. Plant care, such as pruning and the occasional replacement of sedum cassettes, encourages healthy growth and ensures the living roof remains vibrant and effective at capturing particulates from the air.
Thanks to the robust design and careful plant selection, living roof bus shelters require minimal maintenance, making them a practical choice for busy urban environments. The use of recycled materials in both the shelter structure and the living roof components further reduces waste and environmental impact during upkeep.
By prioritising regular but straightforward maintenance, living roof bus shelters continue to provide a haven for pollinators and wildlife, enhance the visual appeal of bus stops, and contribute to cleaner air and healthier local communities across the UK.
Supply and installation options
We offer a range of living roof bus shelters to suit different settings and functional needs:
• flat roof cantilever living roof shelter
• pitched roof cantilever living roof shelter
• barrel roof cantilever living roof shelter
• enclosed living roof shelter
Cantilever models require a minimum of two half end panels but can also be configured with full end panels for added weather protection. The installation process mirrors that of our standard non-living roof models – straightforward, efficient, and fully managed by our expert team.
Retrofitting living roofs to existing shelters
Already have bus shelters in place? We can retrofit living green roofs to any existing Arun model with a flat, barrel, or pitched roof. This includes:
• cantilever shelters with at least two half end panels
• shelters with full end panels
• fully enclosed shelter structures
Our modular living roof trays are pre-grown with hardy sedum and are designed to be:
• low maintenance
• self-sustaining
• non-invasive (no structural modifications required)
Adding a living roof to your existing bus shelter is a simple, sustainable upgrade that brings real environmental benefits – without the cost or disruption of a full replacement. Retrofitting helps you cut waste, stretch budgets further, and get more value from the shelters you already have in place.
Living roof retrofitted to our Arun Barrell roof shelter
The pre-grown sedum used in our roof trays provides rich foraging ground for bees and other pollinators, helping to increase their presence in urban and rural areas alike. These living roofs also absorb rainwater, reducing stormwater runoff and supporting local ecosystems.
A greener approach to public space
We believe in sustainable infrastructure that works harder for the environment and the people using it. Our living roof shelters align with local government ambitions to:
• promote biodiversity
• reduce carbon footprints
• beautify public spaces
• engage communities with visible climate-conscious choices
By encouraging pollinators, our shelters don’t just look green – they actively contribute to a healthier, more balanced local environment.
Let GW Shelter Solutions help you turn ordinary bus stops into green community assets.
Here’s what our customers think…
“We have worked with GW Shelter Solutions several times. On each occasion we have been very happy with the service received. They are able to advise on the type and size of shelter appropriate to the location, provide timely quotes and mobilise quickly once an order is placed. Installation is carried out to a high standard and both ourselves and third party customers have been satisfied with the shelters provided. We would not hesitate to recommend GW Shelter Solutions”.
Richard McKenzie, Northumberland County Council“Glen has always been incredibly helpful and will travel to Swansea for site surveys, to ensure the most appropriate product is ordered and installed. The ordering process is quick and easy and shelters are always installed within set timescales – sometimes even before! I wish to extend our thanks to Glen and all the team at GW Shelters and hope our working relationship continues for many years to come!”
Charlotte Collins, Swansea Council“We have worked with GW Shelter Solutions several times. On each occasion we have been very happy with the service received. They are able to advise on the type and size of shelter appropriate to the location, provide timely quotes and mobilise quickly once an order is placed. Installation is carried out to a high standard and both ourselves and third party customers have been satisfied with the shelters provided. We would not hesitate to recommend GW Shelter Solutions”.
Rob Carman, Medway Council“Once again, GW Shelter Solutions design, supply and install another Bus Shelter for Fenland District Council within agreed timescales and budget. Our go to company, especially when requiring glazing and maintenance parts for our older assets which still remain structurally sound and in use today; many of which have had a good coat of paint, a re-glazing to accordingly to local environment resulting in GW Shelter Solutions providing a new looking shelter with a significant reduction in cost when compared to a new installation. I cannot recommend them enough.”
Kevin Gove, Fenland District Council“Our Council took a long time to find a supplier that could provide a good quality shelter, and we are delighted to work with GW Shelters. Since 2021 they have installed seven bus shelters and supplied us with spare panels to fit our existing shelters. Although we are based in Northumberland physical distance has been no problem for site visits. Our experience has been that GW Shelters provides the right product, a seamless installation and a good after sales service.”
Stephen Humphrey, Ashington Town Council“We have worked with GW Shelter solutions for many years they have always provided a good quality product which has withstood the test of time. The choice of specification provides shelters to suit any location and environment. Glen is easy to deal with from design to installation, offering advice and assistance with any issues that may arise, keeping us updated on projects, meeting agreed timescales and flexible to changes when requested.”
Mary Welch, North Yorkshire Council“Our Council took a long time to find a supplier that could provide a good quality shelter, and we are delighted to work with GW Shelters. Since 2021 they have installed seven bus shelters and supplied us with spare panels to fit our existing shelters. Although we are based in Northumberland physical distance has been no problem for site visits. Our experience has been that GW Shelters provides the right product, a seamless installation and a good after sales service.”
Angela Brindley, Choppington Parish Council