Bee friendly scheme buzzes into Stafford schools

Primary schools in Stafford are being invited to take part in a bee friendly initiative to teach young people about the importance of bumble bees and other pollinators, with Stafford Borough Council funding places for up to 10 primary schools.

The schools have a chance to join the ‘bee friendly schools award’ that launched in 2021 and is run by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, to help students and the local community to build an understanding and create habitats for bees.

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust, a science-led conservation charity fighting for the future of the UK’s bumblebees, is also providing schools with the opportunity to receive accreditation if four criteria’s known as ‘Wings’ are completed.

The criteria’s are: curriculum where school will use curriculum-linked activities, habitat where schools will create simple spaces where pollinators can find food, monitoring which will encourage children to get outside and begin observing bumblebees and community where students will share their learning to inspire others to help pollinators.

Councillor Tony Pearce, the cabinet member for climate action and nature recovery, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for schools to get children involved in learning about nature in a fun and practical way. Bees and other pollinators are vital to our environment, and through this award pupils can help create wildlife friendly spaces while gaining valuable knowledge about the natural world.”

Funding is limited to the first 10 schools and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Schools interested in taking part should register their interest by sending the name of their school and a contact person's details to  [email protected].