World Bee Day 2024 marked at Carlisle railway station

An observation hive, where young pupils could see how bees work around their hive, and a ‘bee bomb’ making station, formed part of the overall World Bee Day celebration at Carlisle Station on May 20.

Organised by Avanti West Coast, which manages the station, who worked with Carlisle Beekeeper’s Association member Harold Bowron, station employees Diane Forrester and Julia Brown who volunteers as Avanti West Coast’s ‘community and sustainability champions’, it was an opportunity to teach young children about the importance of bees, and conserving the environment.

Mr Bowron, a station regular who often brings honey from his hive for staff, shared his knowledge as part of the day’s activities.

Harold Bowron showing Robert Ferguson school pupils the bee hive (Image: Stuart Walker Photography/Avanti West Coast)

Ms Forrester said: “It’s always lovely to see Harold and have a good natter.

“He’s very passionate and knowledgeable about bees, so we’re delighted to have him onboard to tell young people about the importance of bees.”

Pupils from Calthwaite and Robert Ferguson Primary Schools took part in interactive sessions, which involved making wildflower seed balls known as bee bombs – which can be thrown on any green space to hopefully plant flowers, building a bee hotel, as well as videos, talks and demonstrations on the vital role of bees and how honey is made.

Schoolchildren being shown around the observation hive by volunteers (Image: Stuart Walker Photography/Avanti West Coast)

Local businesses, Nook Farm Honey and Lin’s Fabric Crafts, had pop-up stalls selling their bee-related products.

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Bee populations are declining, and as they are crucial for pollination, it’s a concern for long-term future food provision and major environmental change.

Robert Ferguson schoolchildren being shown how to make 'bee bombs', mud containing seeds for flowers which bees and other insects can pollinate (Image: Stuart Walker Photography/Avanti West Coast)

Cumbria Wildlife Trust said last year that the mountain bumblebee is ‘in trouble’, and announced more plants for them to pollinate will be planted, as well as pesticides to be reduced, in an aim to reverse the decline.

It said the decline is because of habitat loss, and added that since 1950, an estimated 98 per cent of grassland with lots of flowers was lost, as well as half of the ancient woodland.

Michael Byrne, Avanti West Coast station manager at Carlisle, said: “We had a brilliant time creating a buzz around bees for local children.

Schoolchildren looking at the display hive, containing bees (Image: Stuart Walker Photography/Avanti West Coast)

“It was so great to see their excitement and interest in learning how they can care for these vital species.

“Connecting young people to fun educational experiences like today’s bee-themed activities is part of our commitment to make a positive difference.

“We had lots of fun championing the great work by our local communities to protect pollinators in the region and hope it will inspire the next generation to become bee-friendly.”