Mayor aims to keep Mid and East Antrim '˜buzzing' with launch of '˜Bee-licious'

Councillor Audrey Wales, MBE, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough has just undertaken the official launch of the ‘Bee-licious’ programme so as to increase awareness of pollinator species and their key role within the ecology.

The project, generously funded by the National Lottery, through the Heritage Lottery Fund’s ‘Our Heritage Programme’ has resulted in Mid and East Antrim working with seven other Councils across Northern Ireland to raise awareness.

“Our important pollinator species are in decline so the aim is to improve habitats for them across the country,” said Councillor Wales.

“The Bee-licious project will run until April 2019 to focus on restoring nectar rich habitats by running training workshops and themed events to engage participants, and promoting interpretative materials.

“This spring we have three fun, family events to get involved in. Why not come along and help make a ‘big bee bank’ or a ‘big bee hotel’ in a local green space?

“Find out how you can also make a positive difference in your own garden too – you can plant a wide range of native flowering plants which pollinators will love, and can look into alternative ways to deal with pest and disease issues before reaching for pesticides, which are extremely harmful to them,” Councillor Wales added.

To find out more about how to get the Borough really buzzing, everyone is invited to any of the three events, in venues in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and near Larne.