SEVERAL West Cork schools have been selected to take part in this year’s Biodiversity in Schools Pollinator Project.

The scheme, sponsored by broadband firm SIRO, helps students transform their school grounds into pollinator-friendly habitats.

In all 13 Cork schools have been selected to participate including Ahiohill NS, Enniskeane NS, Berrings NS, (near Ballincollig), Caheragh NS, Cloughduv NS, (near Crookstown), Gaelscoil Mhichíl Uí Choileáin, Clonakilty, Kilcoe NS (near Ballydehob), and Owenabue Educate Together National School in Carrigaline.

Each school will receive a range of supports including biodiversity kits and access to expert-led workshops.

The objective is to empower students who complete the programme to become Pollinator Ambassadors enabling them to take practical actions to protect bees and other pollinating species by encouraging no-mow meadows and reducing use of chemicals.

Since 2023, the project has engaged more than 144,000 students nationwide, with over 16,000 trained as Pollinator Ambassadors within their school communities.

Participating schools can take part in the Golden Bee Award competition by sharing details of their activities on social media or by submitting their work directly to Biodiversity in Schools.

One overall winner will receive the Golden Bee Trophy along with a biodiversity hamper valued at €1,000.

Further details on how to enter are available at: https://www.biodiversityinschools.com/pollinator-project.html