How can Schools help pollinators?

In 2015, bee experts in Ireland came together to produce the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. We did this because our pollinators, especially our bees, are in trouble. We need bees in order to grow our fruit and veg, and to make sure our countryside has lots of beautiful wildflowers.

Now we need your help to make Ireland a better place for bees and other pollinators. We need you to tell everyone how important bees are. We also need you to make your school and garden a safe place for pollinating insects to live.

To learn how your school an help, download our resources for schools:

Junior version of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Junior Plan as Gaeilge

How to create your own School Pollinator Plan

 

Overview presentation on how secondary schools can get involved with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (pdf). This was delivered to the Irish Science Teachers’ Association (ISTA) as a webinar in April 2021. It will be of particular relevance to TY students.

 

Dr Saorla Kavanagh introduces Ireland’s wild bees

This animation explains why bees are important and introduces the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan

Learn about our wild Bumblebees and Solitary bees 

 

Put your school on the map:

If your school has taken any actions to help pollinators, please add your school to our map:

 

Presentations for use when teaching about pollination:

Junior Pollinator Plan presentation

How to create a Pollinator Plan for your school Presentation

Presentation for students to present themselves

Quiz to introduce Pollinator Plan

 

Lesson Plans:

LIST OF LESSON PLANS

Lesson Plan 1 What is pollination
Lesson Plan 2 Why is pollination important
Lesson Plan 3 Who are the pollinators in Ireland
Lesson Plan 4 What pollinators need to survive: Food Shelter Safety
Lesson Plan 5 Are bees in trouble?
Lesson Plan 6 Map your school yard for bees
Lesson Plan 7 Score your school
Lesson Plan 8 Plan of Actions for Pollinators
Lesson Plan 9 Log your site and actions
Lesson Plan 10 Surveying Insects

 

Signage templates:

 
We have signage templates for land 
managed for pollinators.
Download signs here: https://pollinators.ie/resources/signs/ 

 

Posters:

   

 

How to help pollinators month-by-month

   

 

Other useful resources:

To watch some great animations about pollinating insects and where they live, and how you can help, see:

Busy Flo and Don’t Mow, Let it Grow

Pollinator activity sheet created by Waterways Ireland:

Pollinator activity sheet Waterways Ireland