The Mayor of Broxbourne has worked with local schoolchildren to plant more around 14,000 seeds to support the Borough’s pollinators.
As part of the Council’s successful Seed Giveaway last month 100 residents of the Borough were sent a packet of scatter seeds, with the mixture specially chosen to support butterflies and bees.
On Thursday 16 June, Councillor Paul Seeby, the Mayor of Broxbourne, delivered another 56 packets to pupils at Forres Primary School and helped to spread and water the seeds.
The seed giveaway was part of Broxbourne Council’s efforts to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, as well simple things residents can do to support bees, butterflies and vital insects. As pupils were planting their new seeds, the Mayor and teachers talked to them about the types of animals who would benefit from the flowers, and why they are so valuable.
The UK has pollinators to thank for a third of everything eaten. Not only do they pollinate food crops, but they are also vital for the survival of other wild plants that support wildlife.[1]
In recent decades, three bumblebee species have become extinct. The European Red List for Bees reports that almost one in ten species of wild bee faces extinction, and over the past 50 years, half the bee, butterfly and moth species studied in the 2013 State of Nature Report have declined.[2]
Councillor Paul Seeby, the Mayor of Broxbourne, said:
“It was lovely to meet pupils from Forres School and to help teach them the importance of helping pollinators. We hope to see the flowers blooming soon and the benefit that brings to local bees, butterflies and more.”
Gavin Douglas, Head Teacher at Forres Primary School, said:
“It was really inspiring for the children to meet the Mayor and to discuss the importance of planting around our school. The children were all so pleased to be chosen – as well as learning about the importance of plants in our environment they got to meet the Mayor and find out about his role and the history of Broxbourne.”
David Holliday, Cabinet member for Environment, said:
“Working with Forres School continues this Council’s commitment to the environment and sustainability. The 56 packets of seeds planted at the school, as well as the 100 packets sent out to members of the public across the Borough, will have an immediate impact for local pollinators and crops. But, more than that, by working with children in the planting process, we hope to help create environmentally conscious residents for the future.”