Beetles return to Abbey Road

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Local Government and also in Environment

It's been over 40 years since The Beatles recorded their iconic 'Abbey Road' album, and now they're back - well, not really.

In fact, several species of beetle have settled on a green roof on Abbey Road set up by Camden Council.

Dor, ground and sexton beetles have moved into the site at the Abbey housing estate in Kilburn, North London.

'The Hive' building at the south end of Abbey Road has become home to species of moths, butterflies, spiders and wildflowers.

The landscape contains log piles and stones so that bugs can bask and burrow. Nectar and pollen rich wildflowers such as bird’s foot trefoil and viper’s bugloss attract pollinators such as bees.

The plot is just a short way from Abbey Road studios where The Beatles made their last recorded album.

The album's cover image famously shows the band walking over a zebra crossing outside the studios.

Bassist Paul McCartney is bare-footed in the photo, which at the time added to rumours that he had died some years before.

Other bugs thriving on the roof are brown banded carder bee (Bombus humilis) and the lesser common rustic moth.  Shortly after completion a hummingbird hawk moth was spotted there.

Interestingly, The Beatles' last live performance was held up on a roof.

Camden Council Cabinet member for sustainability, Councillor Phil Jones, said: “This project shows the benefits that re-creating habitats for wildlife in urban areas can bring.  

"This is a wonderful project that protects endangered species, improves biodiversity and can be enjoyed by the whole community."