‘Bee hotel’ record bid
AWORLD record attempt to create the largest ‘bee hotel’ ever is to take place in Runcorn and visitors have been invited to help.
Norton Priory’s wildflower meadow will be hosting the event between 11am and 3pm on Saturday-Sunday, June 25-26.
Those taking part will learn about the amazing work done by mankind’s pollinating friends, have a go at sweep netting for mini beasts and roll up their sleeves to build a safe home and environment for the range of pollen-distributing insects found at the heritage site.
The bee hotel event will launch Norton Priory’s ‘Get Buzzing! Pollination For The Nation’ project.
The medieval marvel has been awarded £14,936 by the Postcode Local Trust to raise awareness about pollinating insects’ vital role to the planet.
A priory spokeswoman said honey bees populations are declining drastically worldwide, disease is spreading, habitats are threatened and the reduction of all pollinating insects poses a threat to global agriculture.
Norton Priory’s learning and community team will work with staff from Halton Borough, provide education as to how vital pollinators are, and create sustainable natural habitats to enhance the natural biodiversity of their neighbourhoods.
‘Bee Amazing!’ school sessions will be available for 20 schools for free.
Pupils will build bug hotels to take home and visit the priory’s walled garden to gain inspiration and find out what work is done on site to help pollinating insects.
Norton Priory will also work with 10 community groups to build deluxe bug hotels and ‘meadows in a box’ for community gardens and will reseed the wildflower meadow and build the world’s biggest bee bank.
The project will also support Norton Priory’s on-site bee-keeping activities and provide courses for adults and families.
Anyone who knows a school or community group that may want to take part should head along to the launch event on June 25-26 to find out more, email info@norton- priory.org or call 01928 569 895.
All the activities are free and take place in the wildflower meadow at the Walled Garden at Norton Priory.
There is free parking at the walled garden, or the meadow can also be accessed via footpath from Longbenton Way.
The walled garden will be open 10am-5pm, where normal admission prices apply – adults £3.50, children £2.70, under-fours free, and family tickets £10.
Allison Kirk, Norton Priory learning manager, said; “We, like the bees, are ‘ buzzing’ about this fantastic project and can’t to get local people involved.
“We want to spread the word that pollinating insects are fascinating and vital to our existence and do our bit to create safe habitats at Norton Priory and across the borough.”
Norton Priory museum is due to re-open in August following a major redevelopment.
Visitors should avoid using the priory’s postcode with a satnav and instead use the road address or WA7 1BD.