Buzzing bees at city cafés for Pride in City launch

Local children from 12 schools across the city, supported by Derry City Council, have been involved in creating the Nectar Cafs – which attract and encourage bees, butterflies and various other wildlife, as part of the Council's Pride In Our City campaign.

At the launch of this Pride In Our City initiative on June 22nd at The Craft Village, guests including school pupils and the Mayor, will view the 12 'Nectar Cafs' that were planted up and maintained by local school children for summer display.

The aim of the 'Nectar Caf' programme, which is organised by the Council's Grounds Maintenance section as part of the Council's Britain In Bloom entry, is to engage with young people and encourage them to learn about plants, gardening and their local environment.

In particular the scheme highlights the benefits of planting nectar-rich plants that will attract and encourage bees and butterflies. Additionally the Nectar Cafes also highlight that 2010 is the United Nations International Year Of Biodiversity.

The "Nectar Cafe" initiative is part of the wider 'Pride In Our City' campaign which supports Derry City Council's entries in this years Ulster In Bloom, Best Kept, Pride of Place, and the Britain in Bloom competition for which Derry qualified after winning the city category of the Ulster in Bloom competition.

Danny McCartney, Derry City Council's Grounds Maintenance Manager said: "This is a great initiative and it's wonderful to have some many local school children involved.

"The Nectar Cafs idea is a good way of teaching the children about local biodiversity while also adding to the beauty of the city, and hopefully helping us to success in this year's Britain in Bloom Competition."

Mayor, Cllr Colum Eastwood added: "The aim of the Pride In Our City campaign is to enhance the greenscape and floral displays throughout the City, raise public awareness, and foster civic pride.

"This project not only enhances the city, but, thanks to the Nectar Cafs, it is also an educational tool for local children – as well as being great fun!"

The 12 schools taking part in the "Nectar Caf" programme are Oakgrove Integrated College, Eglinton Primary School, New Buildings Primary School, St Joseph's Boy's School, Strathfoyle Nursery School, St Mary's College, Hollybush Primary School, Ballougry Primary School, Chapel Road Primary School, St Columb's College, St Colmcille's Primary School Claudy, Cumber Claudy Primary School.