Cookstown Rotary Club as part of the world wide Rotary Polio eradication project purchased crocus corms for sale to generate income to pay for polio vaccine. The Club donated corms to the Phoenix Integrated Primary School in Cookstown so that the P7 pupils could learn about polio eradication and the need to help our declining bee population.

P7 teacher Steven Kelly pictured with Sophie Atkinson, Ranger at National Trust Springhill and Tom Jebb President Cookstown Rotary Club

P7 teacher Mr Steven Kelly pictured with Sophie Atkinson, Ranger at National Trust Springhill and Tom Jebb President Cookstown Rotary Club

Cookstown Rotary Club were assisted in this enterprise by Sophie Atkinson, who is the National Trust Ranger at Springhill. Sophie explained the difficulties bees face in early spring and highlighted the value of crocuses as a source of food for bees emerging from hibernation.

Sophie and the students planted over 250 corms in record time. The students' dedication was so great that even cold and rain failed to deter them! 

 

Sophie already for instruction in crocus planting!

Sophie already for instruction in crocus planting!

 

We look forward to returning in the spring to see the bees enjoying flowers.