Pupils at Wheatfield Primary School in Bradley Stoke are buzzing after scooping one of the top prizes in the West of England Bee Bold Awards organised by metro mayor Dan Norris.
The mini bee buddies beat off stiff competition to win the award for their impressive project which has seen them turn their school’s grounds into a pollinator’s paradise. The ‘Our Nature Needs’ plan has been driven by the inspirational leadership of the 12 young leaders on the school’s pupil-led, hands-on Eco Council.
During a mayoral visit on Wednesday 9th November 2022, pupils showed the metro mayor around the school’s wildflower meadows and point out the newly planted nectar-rich fruit trees to help Bradley Stoke’s busy bugs. The Eco Council has created ‘bee hotels’ and even a ‘bee bank’ to help them whiz from flower to flower.
But the pupils aren’t stopping there, mayor Norris learnt, as they also plan to add wildflower borders and green roofs so even more pollinator superheroes can make their home there. They will also work with neighbours to develop a hedgehog highway through their and others’ gardens.
Metro mayor Dan Norris said:
“Congratulations to everyone at Wheatfield Primary School on winning this Bee Bold Award. Bees and pollinators are amazing – their hard work means we have fresh fruit and veg to eat year-round, not to mention they keep our precious countryside and forests looked after. It has been fantastic meeting everyone from the super Eco Council and hearing how they have got even bigger and bolder plans for the future. It gives me confidence not only that these awards will inspire others to take action, but that thanks to projects like this one – and with such dedicated young people – we can trust our future is in safe hands.”
The Bee Bold Awards will return in 2023 and organisations are encouraged to plan their bee-friendly activities now.
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