Avanti West Coast hosts hive of activity for schoolchildren to mark World Bee Day

• Avanti West Coast team up with local beekeeper to create a buzz in Carlisle
• Cumbrian station gives platform to pollinators for World Bee Day celebrations
• Fun and interactive sessions educate young people about the importance of bees

Avanti West Coast have teamed up with a local beekeeper to host a hive of activity for Carlisle schoolchildren this World Bee Day.

Working with Harold Bowron from the Carlisle Beekeepers Association, Carlisle station employees Diane Forrester, and Julia Brown, who volunteer as Avanti West Coast’s Community and Sustainability Champions, invited local schoolchildren to learn about the species and their importance to the ecosystem.

With the bee population declining in the UK, railway colleagues wanted to create a buzz amongst young people at the station for World Bee Day to inspire them to protect pollinators.  

Diane invited Harold, who is a regular at the Cumbrian station and often brings honey from his hive for staff, to share his knowledge as part of the day’s activities.

“It’s always lovely to see Harold and have a good natter. He’s very passionate and knowledgeable about bees, so we’re delighted to have him onboard to tell young people about the importance of bees,” said Diane.

Pupils from Calthwaite and Robert Ferguson Primary Schools took part in interactive sessions, which involved making wildflower seed balls, building a bee hotel, as well as talks and demonstrations on the vital role of bees and how honey is made. An observation beehive featuring glass panels was also on display, which enabled the children to see how bees move around.   

Local businesses, Nook Farm Honey and Lin’s Fabric Crafts, had pop-up stalls selling their bee-related products, as part of the station’s celebrations.

Michael Byrne, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Carlisle, said: “We had a brilliant time creating a buzz around bees for local children. It was so great to see their excitement and interest in learning how they can care for these vital species. Connecting young people to fun educational experiences like today’s bee-themed activities is part of our commitment to make a positive difference.

“We had lots of fun championing the great work by our local communities to protect pollinators in the region and hope it will inspire the next generation to become bee friendly.”

ENDS