We was not too sure what to expect from here, it's not a huge site either. But it turned out to be a really interesting site and we spent quite a lot of hours here. With labs and lots off greenhouses filled with so much random stuff it made for an enjoyable relaxed visit. Actually surprused it ain't had more people go for a look.
The beginnings of what was to later become Wyebugs started out in the 70's and 80's based at at Wye college when the Etomology group distrubuted biocontrol agents. These were produced in tandem with there research into predators and parasites.
In the late eighties the group had a vision on producing and encouraging biocontrol to amateur gardeners, these products could be used in your standard garden greenhouse.
The company was officially formed into Wyebugs in 1991, with a launch at the Chelsea flower show they offered biocontrol products for mail order from as little as £3.00.
The biocontrol market was soon recognised as being very viable and other companies started coming on board. Due to Wyebugs being more focuses on research and development they outsourced the retail side to companies with a better set up.
They went on to work with none agricultural companies dealing with life threatening disease carriers like mosquitos.
When the Wye college merged with imperial college London the company decided to ditch higher education in 2002 and launch a fully commercial business. This business continues today and are endorsed by DEFRA.
I imagine this site was left not long after they went commercial. I can imagine this bit of land is involved in the grand plan for the remaining derelict college that will involve lots off housing.
Looking down through the main greenhouses to the lab block.
We have a lab block here and it seems to be the main block with several rooms going off an L shaped block
I really liked this larger room. I like solid wooden cabinets and drawers. Although these wooden cabinets and drawers were used throughout the block.
Some equipment had been taken out of this room that were in the square solid racking.
Several large greenhouses are in site. This was one of the smaller houses.
Moving onto the larger greenhouses. These were well heat regulated looking at the equipment in these. And it looked like it was computer controlled
Lots of random stuff stored in here
I really liked this old potting shed. It reminded me of the old Viking sheds. It was sunk quite low into the grounds.
Continued..
The beginnings of what was to later become Wyebugs started out in the 70's and 80's based at at Wye college when the Etomology group distrubuted biocontrol agents. These were produced in tandem with there research into predators and parasites.
In the late eighties the group had a vision on producing and encouraging biocontrol to amateur gardeners, these products could be used in your standard garden greenhouse.
The company was officially formed into Wyebugs in 1991, with a launch at the Chelsea flower show they offered biocontrol products for mail order from as little as £3.00.
The biocontrol market was soon recognised as being very viable and other companies started coming on board. Due to Wyebugs being more focuses on research and development they outsourced the retail side to companies with a better set up.
They went on to work with none agricultural companies dealing with life threatening disease carriers like mosquitos.
When the Wye college merged with imperial college London the company decided to ditch higher education in 2002 and launch a fully commercial business. This business continues today and are endorsed by DEFRA.
I imagine this site was left not long after they went commercial. I can imagine this bit of land is involved in the grand plan for the remaining derelict college that will involve lots off housing.
Looking down through the main greenhouses to the lab block.
We have a lab block here and it seems to be the main block with several rooms going off an L shaped block
I really liked this larger room. I like solid wooden cabinets and drawers. Although these wooden cabinets and drawers were used throughout the block.
Some equipment had been taken out of this room that were in the square solid racking.
Several large greenhouses are in site. This was one of the smaller houses.
Moving onto the larger greenhouses. These were well heat regulated looking at the equipment in these. And it looked like it was computer controlled
Lots of random stuff stored in here
I really liked this old potting shed. It reminded me of the old Viking sheds. It was sunk quite low into the grounds.
Continued..
