Inspiring school children from Kendal, Cumbria, were buzzing around London’s Carnaby Street today (8 July) as they won a government award for their work to protect bees and other pollinators, such as hoverflies and moths.
The pupils from Heron Hill Primary School in Kendal were presented with a Bees’ Needs School Champion Award certificate by Defra Biosecurity Minister Lord Gardiner, and George McGavin, environment ambassador for the Year of Green Action, entomologist and author.
The children received their certificates at the official launch event of Bees’ Needs Week 2019 which kicked off on Carnaby Street, renamed Carnabee Street for the week-long campaign (8-14 July).
The students from Heron Hill Primary School were recognised for their work caring for honey bee hives and becoming certified junior beekeepers by the British Bee Keeping Association (BBKA).
The students received their award outside the ‘Hive’ – a pop-up space off Carnabee Street – that showcases the innovative work from the Bees’ Needs Week partners such as the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and Kew.
Visitors to the ‘Hive’ will be able to get up close to the bee action with a live Bumblearium from the University of Reading, a virtual reality experience from Kew Gardens, and a honey sampling station.
Lord Gardiner, Minister for Biosecurity, said of the award winners: “Pollinating insects are an essential part of our lives as they provide the food we eat and also contribute to our beautiful landscapes.
“I am delighted to award the Schools Champion Award to Heron Hill Primary School to recognise their wonderful work in helping our pollinators.
“Raising awareness of what we all can do to help pollinators is essential and I hope these outstanding children will inspire others to do the same and do their bit to help this Year of Green Action.”
Year of Green Action Ambassador George McGavin said: “I’m hugely encouraged to see such a high level of engagement from the next generation of bee champions.
“Children understand about environmental issues better than most adults – they know their future depends on it.
“If you start out understanding the importance of bees there’s a good chance things will get better.”
