Students from local schools volunteered to plant bulbs at a hospice in Dorchester.
Students from Beaminster School, St Osmund's C of E Middle School, and Thomas Hardye School attended a bulb planting event at Weldmar Hospicecare's Inpatient Unit.
It was organised by a new environmental education social enterprise called Little Green Change, based in Lyme Regis.
Little Green Change's Founder and Director, Clare Matheson said: “I am delighted that students and staff have volunteered their time on a Saturday to help this wonderful charity. Increasing nectar sources for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects is so important to the environment, especially given the dramatic fall in insect numbers in recent decades. It's great to work with students who want to help improve local biodiversity and are leading by example."
The UK is home to more than 250 species of bees, including 24 different types of bumblebees. Some species of solitary bees spend the winter as adults protecting themselves from the cold in a process called overwintering. They then emerge in spring to make the most of early blooms. Other species, like the mason bee, spend the winter as pupae and have an annual lifecycle that ends after they lay their eggs in autumn.
By providing them with additional flowers, the students will be increasing the nectar food source available to beneficial pollinators during this time. The flowers will also add a boost of colour to the grounds, helping to lift the spirits of the patients, staff and visitors during the shorter spring days.
The event was supported by The Gardens Group - who have garden centres in Poundbury, Sherborne and Yeovil - and Taylors Bulbs, both of whom donated the bulbs and the gloves required for the event.
Clare Matheson added: "I'd also like to thank our event sponsors, The Gardens Group and Taylors Bulbs for their generosity and support."
The bulbs were planted by the students on Saturday, September 30.
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