Affinity Vision, the registered UK charity dedicated to building sustainable and self-sufficient communities, is delighted to share the official launch of the 'Let It Grow' project at Glenmoor and Winton Academies.
As the primary funding and charity partner supporting Bee Mission's impactful environmental and social work, Affinity Vision has helped pave the way for an inspiring new initiative at two schools in Bournemouth, England.
The Let It Grow project beautifully weaves together sustainable beekeeping, therapeutic gardening, and community outreach — fostering biodiversity while providing vital wellbeing benefits to young people and local residents alike.
Through this collaboration, Bee Mission, a Bournemouth-based CIC within the Affinity Vision family, has successfully installed professional beehives on the Academies' grounds. The project also features a dedicated Wellbeing Garden designed by Grounded Community, alongside a vibrant Community Garden intended as a shared hub for local families.
Chris Bialan, Founder of Affinity Vision, commented on the milestone: “Our core mission at Affinity Vision is to bring together resources, knowledge, and passion to empower communities and create a lasting, sustainable future. Seeing Bee Mission expand its footprint into local schools like Glenmoor and Winton Academies is exactly what our charity aims to achieve.
“By introducing these hives, we aren't just protecting our rapidly declining British bee populations; we are giving school children a hands-on, practical education in biodiversity. The fact that the honey produced will serve the pupils in their own cafeteria brings the entire sustainable journey full circle.”
The hives will be safely managed with the support of students and staff, acting as a live learning tool to bring the school curriculum to life. In tandem with the active growing beds, wildflower walks, and a relocated poly tunnel, the space is set to enhance confidence, upskill students, and foster a true sense of community ownership.
Amy Foster, Head of Bee Mission, added: “The bees are settling in incredibly well. We currently have one hive with about 25,000 bees, and that number is growing every day. We are super excited to start hive demonstrations and bring the honey spinner into schools.
“Every hive we install through the support of Affinity Vision doesn't just boost local pollination. The profits generated from our honey products go straight back into funding new hives, beekeeping equipment, and our vital food programmes, which provide over 31,200 hot, home-cooked meals a year to people experiencing homelessness on the streets of Bournemouth.”
Angelina Parker, Vice Principal at Glenmoor and Winton Academies, expressed gratitude for the collective effort: “We are very excited to have launched 'Let It Grow' officially and to partner with Bee Mission. This initiative allows us to offer a rich education with character, transforming our outdoor spaces into a complete ecosystem that benefits our students and our neighbours.”
