The Polli:Nation project will get students in 260 school involved in transforming their outdoor spaces to increase declining habitats over the next three years.
It is being run by school grounds charity Learning through Landscapes and the work is due to begin in January.
Participating schools will be supported to grow pollinator-friendly plants and meadow areas as well as structures such as “bug hotels” and bee hives.
Other approaches might include letting areas of the school grounds become wild and discussing with students the impact of the use of pesticides.
David Hodd, Learning through Landscapes’ project manager, said: “Many schools in the UK already have a firm understanding that increasing the habitats of pollinating insects, can have a profound effect on important issues, such as our declining bee population.
“This project will equip these schools with everything they need to increase such habitats, while teaching children about critical environmental issues.”
To apply, primary, secondary or special schools are asked to put together a joint application as a cluster with three other schools before November 5. As well as basic information about the schools, clusters will need to explain what they hope to achieve, and why they would make a good Polli:Nation school.
School clusters will be selected partly by the social and environmental need, but mostly on the strength of their commitment to the project among school management teams, and the quality of collaboration between schools and the wider community.
For more information and to apply, visit www.ltl.org.uk/pollination/getinvolved.php