Camarthenshire schools chosen to save pollinating insects

FOUR Carmarthenshire schools are buzzing with delight after being chosen to help Britain’s pollinating insects.

Pupils from Bro Myrddin, and feeder primary schools Nantgaredig, Llangunnor and Ferryside were selected for the UK-wide ‘Polli:Nation’ programme.

They will now transform their outdoor spaces to become pollinator-friendly habitats, with the support of the national school grounds charity, Learning through Landscapes.

They submitted a joint application as a schools cluster, and were named as three out of 260 across the UK, chosen to participate in the unique programme.

Their application was selected as an exceptional submission, resulting in their involvement in the programme.

Over a period of three years, each of the schools will now be supported by a Polli:Nation facilitator from Learning through Landscapes- the national school grounds charity responsible for the project.

Linking to the National Pollinator Strategy, schools will explore how they might:

• Grow more flowers, shrubs & trees
• Let it grow wild
• Cut grass less often
• Don’t disturb insect nests and hibernation spots
• Think carefully about whether to use pesticides

Once the project is fully underway, the schools will also have the opportunity to contribute vital data in a UK-wide pollinator survey from OPAL Imperial College London.

The children, teachers and members of the community will be equipped with all of the necessary tools and skills to help scientists to develop an accurate understanding of the current state of the habitats for Britain’s pollinating insects, and the potential to develop these further.

Headteacher Dr Llinos Jones at Bro Myrddin said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be a part of this project and honoured to be making a contribution to such important research.

“Not only does Polli:Nation offer the children a fantastic opportunity to develop their own environment to aid the declining population of pollinators, it also offers the perfect platform to consider our environment and pesticides on a global scale – whilst also involving members of the local community.”

Carmarthenshire’s education executive board member Cllr Gareth Jones said: “This is an excellent project which not only helps the environment but gives the pupils a unique learning experience.”