Honeybee Programme

The Honeybee programme is designed to raise awareness of the vital importance of honeybees in food production and to introduce teachers to the wonders of keeping bees at school.
Whole Kids Foundation

Interested in bringing the Honeybee programme to your school?

Fill and submit this Expression of Interest form by Friday 10th March 2023.

In partnership with Whole Kids Foundation, the programme offers several avenues of exploration for schools wishing to access a fascinating and uniquely different learning resource:

1. Host a visit from a beekeeper, meet live bees - and then encourage them to visit your school garden!
Twenty lucky schools in London will win a place on our bee programme, which includes the following:

London Beekeepers Association
  • A visit from London Beekeepers’ Association
    The visit will include the chance to view a honeybee colony in an observation hive. Groups of up to 30 children at a time can get up close and personal and learn about these extraordinary social animals and their role in food production. 
  • A bee-friendly planting session with our School Food Matters gardener
    Our gardener will visit your school to help you create a garden that is a haven for honeybees (plants provided by Whole Kids Foundation). 
  • A trip to an apiary
    Up to 30 students from your school will be transported to an apiary to see an established bee colony at work.

2. Taster session for teachers
Ever thought of keeping bees at school? Introducing bees into a school environment is hugely rewarding but a big step and one that requires careful consideration, so we're offering a fully funded half-day taster session to be delivered by London Beekeepers’ Association at a London apiary. Teachers will leave the session with a clear understanding of the potential benefits, but also the responsibilities and long-term commitment needed from school staff to make a success of a honeybee project.

  • Bee-friendly planting session
    Bee-friendly planting session
  • Beekeeper visit
    Beekeeper visit
  • Holland Park Ecology Centre
    Holland Park Ecology Centre
  • Holland Park Ecology Centre
    Holland Park Ecology Centre

3. Ready to take the plunge?
If you and two bee buddies from your school have completed a beekeeping course with your local beekeepers association and you’re ready to establish a colony at school, we have grants of up to £1,500 available for you to purchase essential equipment.  

Schools with established honeybee projects wanting to develop their projects further may also apply if they fulfil the requirements above.