Supporter Story - Bee inspired by Winstanley's College's fundraising for wildlife | The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire Manchester and North Merseyside

Discover how Winstanley College’s Eco-Committee celebrated World Bee Day, raising £133.50 for Lancashire Wildlife Trust with wildflower seed bombs.

Wildflower seeds, a little clay and plenty of enthusiasm helped Winstanley College’s Eco-Committee bring their community together to support local wildlife.

To celebrate World Bee Day, the students made and sold wildflower seed ‘bee bombs’ alongside nature-inspired writing, raising money for Lancashire Wildlife Trust while encouraging others to grow flowers for pollinators.

We spoke to Carina Riley, Assistant Head of Environmental Science and Climate and Sustainability Coordinator, about the inspiration behind their fundraising and what the students took away from the experience.

A growing commitment to nature

Bringing together Year 12 and Year 13 students, Winstanley’s Eco-Committee was established as part of the college’s commitment to climate action and sustainability.

With Carina’s support, the students secured the Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction within their first year. They have since been building on that achievement, finding more ways to make a difference on campus and beyond.

When researching environmental awareness days, World Bee Day stood out. The students recognised the importance of protecting pollinators, but bees also had a special connection to the college.

Winstanley previously kept beehives on its roof terrace, cared for by Conor, the college’s former Finance Director and resident expert beekeeper. When he retired, the college was unable to maintain the hives. The fundraiser offered a way to celebrate his contribution.

“We wanted to do something to honour the incredible work and legacy that he had created at college for protecting biodiversity and the environment,” Carina explained.

The students then voted unanimously to support Lancashire Wildlife Trust, choosing a local charity working to protect wildlife and places they knew and cared about.

Small seed bombs with a shared purpose

The Eco-Committee wanted their fundraising activity to reflect their environmental values. Making wildflower seed bombs gave them something to sell that could also encourage people to take action for pollinators.

A table with equipment for seed bombing on it

Local community group Brighter Better Orrell kindly donated wildflower seeds and clay. With compost sourced too, the students set up a production line in the college’s nurture room.

As they mixed and shaped the seed bombs, they also made space for a mindful discussion about eco-anxiety, bringing conversations about environmental concerns together with practical action.

On World Bee Day, they set up their stall and offered the seed bombs without a fixed price, allowing people to give what they could afford. Alongside them, they sold anthologies of their ‘Wild Writing’: pieces inspired by nature that they had written earlier in the year.

A sell-out success

Staff and students got behind the fundraiser, buying hundreds of seed bombs until they completely sold out. Donations continued to arrive even after the last ones had gone.

Some staff bought seed bombs to sow with their younger children, taking the students’ idea beyond the campus and into family gardens.

The Eco-Committee enjoyed seeing a project they had designed and coordinated themselves receive such a positive response. From making the seed bombs to running the stall, the experience showed them what they could achieve by working together and involving their wider community.

It was lovely to see how excited everyone was at the prospect of sowing the seeds in their own gardens

Carina Riley, Assistant Head of Environmental Science & Climate Curriculum Coordinator
Winstanley College

Keep the momentum growing

The committee already has ideas for more environmental action, including reducing paper and plastic waste, making another batch of seed bombs and planting on campus to encourage pollinators.

They are also interested in creating more homes for wildlife, including bird boxes, bug hotels and hedgehog shelters.

“We are very blessed with a beautiful green campus at Winstanley, and we intend to make the most of it!” said Carina.

Their advice to other schools and colleges is encouraging: fundraising for wildlife doesn’t have to involve expensive materials. Working with people around you and asking your community for support can help turn a simple idea into something much bigger.

A huge thank you to Winstanley College’s Eco-Committee, Carina, Brighter Better Orrell and everyone who supported the fundraiser. Your creativity and generosity are helping us protect local wildlife and inspiring others to get involved.

A hedgehog entering a feeding station at night

Peter Wilkinson

A red tailed bumblebee preparing to land on bright yellow bird's foot trefoil flowers

Red-tailed bumblebee on bird's foot trefoil © Jon Hawkins Surrey Hills Photography

What could you do for local wildlife?

Whether you’re part of a school, college, workplace or community group, you can turn something you enjoy into support for nature.

Explore our fundraising ideas and resources to help you plan your own activity and raise money for wildlife across Lancashire, Greater Manchester and North Merseyside.

Fundraise for local wildlife