Schools
How can Schools help pollinators?
In 2015, bee experts in Ireland came together to produce the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. We did this because pollinators, especially 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.
Schools and campuses can play a huge role in transforming our landscape for pollinators. Not only can they help us learn about these important insects, but they can also lead the way by managing their grounds to support biodiversity. With simple, low cost actions, our places of learning can support pollinators whilst also being wonderful places to learn, work, and live.
To learn how your school can help, take a look at our resources for schools:
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| Junior version of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan | Junior Plan as Gaeilge |
How to create your own School Pollinator Plan |
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
Lesson Plans:
In March 2025, the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan released a redesigned suite of lesson plans in collaboration with Laois County Council. These lesson plans are suitable for junior infants to 6th class, and include a range of hands-on activities to help embed pollinator conservation in the classroom. Download the full booklet, or find each lesson plan below.
Online course: Managing School Grounds for Biodiversity
In 2025, we launched a free online course on managing school grounds for biodiversity. Developed in collaboration with the Department of Education, the course is aimed at caretakers, groundskeepers, and those responsible for caring for school grounds. From pesticide alternatives to plant lists, biodiversity-friendly mowing tips to ideas on getting the school community involved, this is an opportunity for any school wanting to manage their grounds for nature, no matter their size, space, or previous experience.
Enroll for free on Ireland’s Biodiversity Learning Platform: Course: Managing School Grounds for Biodiversity
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.
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 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
Signage templates:
We have signage templates for land
managed for pollinators.
Download signs here: https://pollinators.ie/resources/signs/
Posters:
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How to help pollinators month-by-month
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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