BEES have been put at the centre of projects in a Ryedale town – with the aim of raising awareness of the insects and environment as a whole.
In Pickering, a community project is to take place in celebration of Earth Day.
Earth Day, which takes place on April 22, is an annual celebration across the globe to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
It aims to protect the Earth’s natural resources for future generations.
To mark the day, Pickering Town Community Interest Company (PTCIC) is working in conjunction with Pickering Environment Group to celebrate Earth Day in the town, with a particular focus on raising awareness of the ‘the plight of bees’.
Crafters in the community, including the Knit and Natter Group at Pickering Library and the Pickering branch of the Women’s Institute, are busy kitting bees to form a bee-trail which will run through the businesses in the town from April 7.
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The person who guesses the correct number of bees on the trail will be awarded a giant chocolate bee, which is to be donated by Birdgate Chocolatiers.
Carrie Brackstone, operations manager for PTCIC and Visit Pickering, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm for this community project from crafters and businesses alike.
“We were aiming for 300 bees, but I think the eventual swarm may be a bit bigger!
“Ladies in the community have also volunteered to sew bunting out of recycled materials to make the town look at its best and the Lions have kindly donated funds for materials which we were unable to find.
"It’s lovely to see the whole community getting involved.”
The bee trail marks the start of a series of fun and informative activities running through Pickering Market Place with an eco-fair taking place in the Memorial Hall and a 'Bee Amazing Exhibition' at The Beck Isle Museum on April 22.
A repair café will also feature in The Black Swan yard where residents will be able to get their repairs done for free.
Paul Norrington, from Pickering Environment Group, added: “It’s great to see so many businesses keen to take part.
“All of those displaying a bee in their shop window will be asked to make a small pledge to help the planet.
"Visitors to the eco-fair will get the chance to talk to local and national environmental groups about ways to help wildlife and live more sustainably.”
For regular updates on Earth Day and the Pickering bee trail, follow Visit Pickering and Pickering Environment Group on social media.
Further information on Pickering Town CIC can be found by emailing Carrie Brackstone at: carrie@pickeringtowncic.org.uk
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