Could your child’s school become a little more bee friendly? Primary schools in Stone and the surrounding villages are being encouraged to put themselves forward for a scheme helping children learn about bumblebees and create spaces where pollinators can thrive.
Stafford Borough Council is funding places for up to 10 primary schools across the borough to take part in the Bumblebee Conservation Trust’s Bee Friendly Schools Award.
The places are being offered on a first come, first served basis, so schools interested in getting involved are encouraged to register their interest.
The scheme gives pupils the opportunity to learn more about bees and other pollinators, with practical activities that can take place both in the classroom and around the school grounds.
Participating schools will receive free registration, educational resources and support from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, with the opportunity to work towards accreditation.
What would schools need to do?
The award is built around four areas, known as ‘Wings’:
- Curriculum: Learn about bumblebees through lessons, stories and activities.
- Habitat: Create spaces where bees and other pollinators can find food, including areas planted with suitable flowers.
- Monitoring: Get pupils outdoors to observe bumblebees and other wildlife.
- Community: Share what pupils have learned and encourage others to help pollinators.
Schools can work towards bronze, silver or gold accreditation by completing activities and providing evidence of what they have achieved.
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust says schools do not need extensive green space to participate. Even a small outdoor area can be used to create a pollinator friendly habitat.
The award has already been achieved locally, with John Wheeldon Primary Academy in Stafford receiving gold accreditation.
Councillor Tony Pearce, Stafford Borough Council’s 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.”
How can Stone schools apply?
Stafford Borough Council is asking interested primary schools to email climatechange@staffordbc.gov.uk with their school name and the contact details of a nominated person.
Funding is limited to the first 10 schools accepted across Stafford Borough, and no specific closing date has been announced.
Further information is available through the Stafford Borough Council Bee Friendly scheme and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
Are you a parent, teacher, governor or PTA member at a Stone area primary school? If your school might be interested, please share the opportunity with them so they can consider getting involved.
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