FirstStage Studios Bumblebee Study 2026
FirstStage Studios commissioned Bumblebee Conservation Trust Report
First Stage Studios is a 115,000 sq ft studio facility located in Leith, the distinctive northern district of Edinburgh bordering the Firth of Forth, FirstStage Studios sits close to The Shore, one of the city’s most vibrant districts. It has been home to multiple series for Amazon Prime and Netflix, working with major production companies such as LeftBank and Wild Mercury. They hosted the BAFTA nominated independent feature The Outrun including the facility’s first underwater shoot, alongside smaller features, commercials, brand productions and unit base hosting for major feature films.
FirstStage Studios is also engaged in an ambitious ongoing development plan repurposing the building’s embedded carbon as we develop a creative future for customers. At the heart of an inclusive environmental scheme extends outside with a commitment to permaculture gardening onsite. As part of their monitoring, they commissioned a Bumblebee Conservation Trust Report - FirstStage Studios September 2026.
'The desk study revealed 190 existing bee records (bumblebees, honeybee and solitary bees), across 12 different species of bees within 2km of the site. Of these, 170 are records of bumblebees, across eight different species, seven of the UK’s ‘Big Eight’ common and widespread species and one of the six cuckoo species found in the UK. 2006).
'The site is managed without the use of herbicides or pesticides and is already maintained through a well-established permaculture gardening regime. This positive approach enhances biodiversity, improves ecosystem health, and supports the long-term sustainability of the site.
'Due to its position in the landscape, FirstStage Studios represents a good opportunity to provide connectivity between important habitats locally, having the potential to become an important ‘stepping stone’ and allowing bumblebees and other wildlife to move through the wider landscape.'
FirstStage Studios is a highly accessible self contained facility anchoring substantial inward investment in production into Scotland, whilst also facilitating customers’ ambitious imaginations and bringing jobs and supply chain opportunities. It is encouraging to see the positive impact from extended circular principles.
Bob Last established FirstStage Studios with Jason Connery. Contact Sophie Williams with any queries s.williams@firststagestudios.com
