This year, supported learning and foundation students took on a project to begin setting up a bee conservation area on part of the college campus. After learning about the serious reduction of pollinators generally, due to many different reasons, including habitat loss, intensive farming and monoculture of crops, the use of pesticides and new diseases infecting native species, a plan was drawn up to see what could be done on the college grounds to help local pollinator populations.

Students identified a piece of grass area as a good site to plant pollinator plants, set up bug hotels and build a wildlife pond, which has proved amazingly popular already with so many insect species. Students learnt many new skills in starting to create this area, and were thrilled to see the positive effect it was having on wildlife. The second part of the plan started this term - to expand the bee conservation area, and also to set up a honeybee apiary with four hives. Initially, the infrastructure for the apiary will be put into place from October 2019, leading to the introduction of the first bee colonies in April - May 2020. Due to very tight budgets, the staff and students will need to raise the majority of funds required to set up and manage the apiary. Fund raising events will be held throughout the next academic year, but we would be very grateful if you could support this venture in addition to this! The plan is to involve as many college courses as posdible, and we already have the new carpentry class looking at making hive stands. But we will still need to purchase hives, good quality protective suits and veils, tools, smokers, frames and wax foundation ready for Spring. We are also going to be planting trees, hedges and additional plants for pollinators at the end of November, as all species need our help. We hope that all students and staff will be able have the opportunity to learn about bees and beekeeping, through the curriculum, enrichment sessions and the Student Bee Team Club. Next year local schools and all community groups, including Rainbows, Cubs, Guides and Scouts will be able to come and visit the conservstion area and see the honeybees at work! We may even have some surplus honey for sale. Thank you. Your support is greatly appreciated.