Published: Thursday, 9th July 2026
Cannock Chase Council is celebrating the success of its Bumblebee Friendly Schools Programme this term, with two local primary schools achieving national recognition through the Bumblebee Conservation Trust’s Bee Friendly School Award.
A total of 13 schools across the district have signed up to take part in the initiative, which supports children to learn about pollinators, biodiversity, and simple actions they can take to help bees thrive in their school grounds and at home.
Council officers, joined by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust’s Education & Outreach Officer and a Trust volunteer, have been visiting schools to deliver introductory workshops. These sessions introduce pupils to the programme, inspire them to take part, and help schools begin their journey towards Bumblebee Friendly status.
This term, St Peter’s Primary School has become the first school in the district to achieve Gold Status, while Chancel Primary School has proudly secured Silver Status.
Councillor Richard Craddock, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Leader for Regulatory Services and Sustainability at Cannock Chase Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many of our local schools embracing the Bumblebee Friendly Schools Programme. Protecting pollinators is vital for our environment, and this initiative helps children understand the difference they can make in their own school grounds and at home.
We are incredibly proud of St Peter’s Primary for achieving Gold and Chancel Primary for achieving Silver. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to supporting nature is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing more schools progress through the award levels.”
Mrs Hayward from St Peter’s Primary School said: “We are delighted to receive the Gold Bumblebee Friendly Award. Our pupils have loved learning about bumblebees and taking practical steps to make our school grounds more welcoming for pollinators. This project has sparked real excitement and pride across the whole school community.”
Miss Jones from Chancel Primary School said: “Achieving the Silver Award is a wonderful achievement for our pupils. The workshops helped us understand how small changes can make a big difference, and our children have been eager to share their learning with families at home.”
Emily Lane, Education and Outreach Officer at the Bumblebee Conservation Trust said: “We’re thrilled to see the enthusiasm from schools across Cannock Chase. The Bumblebee Friendly School Award helps children connect with nature and understand the importance of bumblebees in our ecosystems. St Peter’s and Chancel Primary have shown outstanding commitment, and we look forward to supporting more schools as they progress through the programme.”