Webster Honey is starting 2020 by targeting over 300 schools and nurseries all over Scotland as it aims to widen out its popular educational classes.
Last year the Kinross based company ran a very successful programme incorporating both its “observation” hive workshops, and its full ten lesson courses.
Nurseries and Schools from as far afield as Troon, Rutherglen, Falkirk, and Drumoyne took advantage of the opportunity for their young charges to engage with Meik Molitor, Webster Honey’s experienced beekeeper, who carries out the age appropriate learning programmes. Now the company has broken into the Glaswegian market, with Garrowhill Primary School in Glasgow becoming the first in the City to add the ten week lesson plan to its curriculum for this year.
Having completed the ten lesson plan, both Dairsie Primary in Fife, and Little Monkeys Nursery at Cramond in Edinburgh, made the decision to cite hives at their premises, which they will look after for a full year, with Meik making regular visits to check up on their bees.
“We are delighted with how the educational programme went last year,” said Michelle, English, Educational Manager for Webster Honey, “I came on board and was able to give our strategy real direction, by having the time to contact the schools and nurseries directly to spread awareness of what we do. We are delighted to have Garrowhill Primary in Glasgow sign up for this year. They successfully applied for funding to enable them to access the ten week course, so that is an option for schools who may not have the budget at the moment.”
“Hopefully, 2020 can become our best year yet, and we are confident we can attract many more schools and nurseries to take part.”
As Michelle explained, schools and nurseries can always start off by having the observation hive for the day, just to let them see what the educational scheme is all about. “We find that having the hive in for the day, with Meik explaining all about it, very often leads to the school or nursery signing up for the full plan, as the children find the whole subject fascinating.
“It’s hugely educational too for them to learn about bees, and their importance to the eco system. As bees’ habitat is declining at an alarming rate, we are reliant on the next generation recognising their worth. If there are no bees to pollinate crops, we will basically end up with no food!”
Webster Honey has also introduced bee and hive sponsorship, from worker to queen bee level, applicable to both individuals and businesses.
“As an alternative to applying for funding, schools who are short of budget may wish to seek sponsorship from a local business, or individual, to enable them to access our courses. The sponsor can have their logo on a hive which could housed at the school. Or they can fundraise through their parents’ association,” said Michelle.
“Businesses can also use our beekeeping courses – carried out at our beekeeping school in Scotlandwell – as a valuable staff incentive or rewards scheme which is a bit different from the norm. Staff members can come in for a day, or longer, to learn to become a beekeeper. This is adding another fresh dimension to the business for us, as we aim to “bee” Scotland’s biggest bee employer!”
Further details www.websterhoney.com
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