A WINCHESTER environmental organisation has joined a host of nature and wildlife projects across the region to shine a light on 25 years of National Lottery support.

Polli:Nation, an initiative by Learning Through Landscapes, was designed to improve the habitat for bees and other pollinating insects is just one of the 1,470 projects from across the region that has benefitted from £74.8 million raised by National Lottery players for wildlife and nature projects since the first draw in 1994.

And to celebrate the National Lottery’s 25th Birthday the city-based organisation has spoken about how the funding has help them.

The Polli:Nation scheme involved 260 schools that worked to improve the habitat for bees and other pollinating insects. As well as improving life for wildlife, it had a profound impact on the children involved.

Olivia, 11 said: “When I came here I developed this absolute love for everything outdoors. I started to speak up more and I spoke about my love for pollinators. It’s given me a real confidence boost.”

Mary Jackson, projects manager at Learning through Landscapes said: “Our Polli:Nation project has helped 35,000 children and young people to experience awe and wonder in the natural world. The grant we received from the National Lottery Heritage Fund enabled us to work with 260 school communities to create new wildflower meadows, build bug hotels, and grow a wide variety of plants and trees- all to support pollinating insects. Through the project, pupils across the nation championed the critically important role of pollinators on local radio whilst others linked up with beekeepers to ensure a continuation of the ancient craft to the next generation.

“Polli:Nation improved school settings and created the conditions for pollinators to thrive but its greatest impact was on the children and young people involved. They have become a passionate army of knowledgeable enthusiasts who will advocate for our pollinating insects for many years to come.

“Learning through Landscapes is delighted to wish the National Lottery a very special 25th Anniversary!”