The Bumblebee Conservation Trust has launched a new scheme for schools. ‘Bumblebee friendly Schools’ introduces students, staff and the wider school community to the wonderful world of bumblebees.
The scheme encourages positive actions that will make schools a better place for bumblebees and other wild pollinators.
Bumblebees’ have had a tough time in the UK, and their decline is a big problem as they are key pollinators of wildflowers and many of the fruit and vegetables we eat, making them essential for both biodiversity and our food security.
Andy Benson, Senior Education Officer at the Bumblebee Conservation Trust said “In the last century, changes to the way we manage our land have led to a huge decline in bumblebee numbers, with two species of bumblebee becoming extinct in the UK. The good news is that small actions and changes to our local environments, including in and around our schools, can create a genuine conservation impact for bumblebees, helping them to survive—and thrive!”
Participating schools complete a set of bumblebee-friendly actions and provide evidence to earn Bumblebee-friendly Schools accreditation.
Any school can apply for Bumblebee-friendly Schools accreditation, no matter its size or age group. Schools without access to a greenspace can still take part by using any small outdoor area that can be set aside.
All Bumblebee-friendly Schools resources are free to access and schools can work at their own pace, applying for accreditation when they have collected the necessary evidence.
There are three award levels:
- Bronze Award – actions that introduce bumblebees
- Silver Award – actions that bring bumblebees into everyday school life
- Gold Award – actions that create a stronger commitment to bumblebee conservation, from staff, students and the wider school community
To find out more visit our Bumblebee-friendly Schools webpages.
