Two primary schools in Sandfields, Neath Port Talbot have been working with Buglife Cymru and a local artist to create inspiring animations to raise awareness of how B-Lines can help to reverse the decline in bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.
Buglife Cymru are currently delivering the Neath Port Talbot (NPT) B-Lines project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, in partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council, housing associations, Swansea University, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, the Woodland Trust and others to create and restore 40 hectares of habitat for pollinating insects in Neath Port Talbot; benefitting both pollinators, and the people that live, work and visit the area.
The NPT B-Lines project is part of Buglife’s national B-lines programme aiming to re-connect our landscape to enable pollinators and other wildflower to move freely, and support nature’s recovery.
Commenting on the project, artist Tom Maloney said:
“It has been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to undertake these short film projects with the pupils and schools involved. Maintaining and creating habitats for the bugs that do so much for us is a clear priority for the future. These young people are that future. Each and every one of them showed a commitment and understanding of the Eco issues that are involved far beyond their years. The films were created during the period of the Pandemic and were largely undertaken through online workshops with some outside learning sessions at Aberavon Beach. The creativity and joy in learning of all the pupils was just fantastic!”
This below animation was created in collaboration with Class 5 at Sandfields Primary School
On their involvement in the project, Class 5 pupils from Sandfields Primary School said:
“I loved learning about the importance of bees and how to draw them” – Casey
“Amazing – It was really cool when we went to the beach to draw the insects and when we used our own voices in the film” – Evan
Hannah Llewellyn, Sandfields Primary School teacher said “Working on the B-Lines Project was a wonderful experience for the pupils. They were given an amazing opportunity to learn about the importance of pollinating insects and the vital role that these insects have within our ecosystem. The pupils also developed an understanding of how they themselves can encourage and promote these pollinators throughout the community.”
The below animation was created in collaboration with year 3 at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhosafan:
Commenting on the project, Donna Williams, Ysgol Gynradd Rhosafan teacher said “It has been a wonderful experience for the children. They’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Tom, especially the session at the beach. They’re very proud of the animation and can’t wait to share it with the rest of the school”.
On their involvement, pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Rhosafan said:
“Tom has taught me how to draw.”
“I enjoyed drawing in the sand.”
“I loved seeing our drawings in the film.”
For more information on the project and how you can get involved visit our Neath Port Talbot B-Lines project page.
