4 December 2025

Bumblebee Conservation Trust member Emma England shares the story of how she transformed the blank canvas of her new garden into a haven for wildlife.

I have always loved spending time in nature and gardening. I volunteered in conservation for many years helping to restore and create habitat for wildlife. I participated in citizen science projects monitoring birds and butterflies while living in Sweden and the US. 

When my husband and I returned home to England in 2020, I began looking for conservation projects that I could participate in and found out about the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. I was inspired by their Bee the Change project, so when we bought a house in Cheshire with a large garden I wanted to make a difference for bumblebees.

The half-acre garden was little more than a field with a couple of small borders and no bee-friendly plants. Having seen the difference that habitat creation could make to nature, I set about designing a garden to attract as much wildlife as possible.  

Water is important for all wildlife, so the first thing that I designed was a large pond surrounded by planting. The design also incorporated flower beds in the lawn filled with bee-friendly plants, trees including an orchard area, a willow arch, raised beds for growing veg, and a wildflower meadow. Not finding any landscaping companies that could carry out my vision, I began to create the garden myself.

Apart from digging the large hole for the pond, I carried out all the work myself. Over a couple of years, I planted over 3,000 perennials, shrubs and trees. My husband built bird boxes, hedgehog houses, and bee and bug hotels, one of which is made from recycled pallets and has a green roof.

It has been so rewarding to watch the garden fill with all kinds of wildlife. We have seen bumblebees, butterflies, moths, many other insects, birds, bats, frogs, toads, newts, hedgehogs, voles, and even a hare and a weasel. Creating my happy place filled with so many buzzing bees and nesting birds has been very beneficial to my mental health too.  

It has been fascinating to learn more about bee behaviour. My favourite bee-friendly perennials are coneflower (Echinacea), sneezeweed (Helenium), lungwort (Pulmonaria), sea holly (Eryngium), purple loosestrife (Lythrum), verbena and bugle. Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantine) is great too. This year I was fascinated to watch a male Wool Carder bee, which is a solitary bee, guarding one of my Stachys plants and learnt that the female uses the fluffy hairs from this plant to line its nest

I have also planted hundreds of alliums and love to photograph the bumblebees on them. My favourite shrub is ninebark (Physocarpus) for its stunning colour and flowers. Mahonia is great too as it flowers in winter. I try to have nectar for the bumblebees all year round. 

Through creating the garden, I became passionate about plants and decided to study a Royal Horticulture Society diploma course in 2022 with the aim of pursuing a career in horticulture. I have always loved nature, art and photography, so in 2023 I decided to combine all my passions and set up a wildlife garden design business with the aim to inspire people to help wildlife through gardening.  

I am enjoying educating people that they can make a difference even by taking small actions in their garden and planting a few bee-friendly plants. Now I am seeing my client’s gardens fill with bumblebees too which makes me so happy.

Bumblebees make the quintessential sound of summer. That lazy, droning buzz on the edge of earshot is mentally linked with hot days, sunshine, ice cream… so why was I hearing it now, in a garden centre in mid-November as I searched for inspiration for next year’s allotment? Well, it was a bumblebee, all right, but not just any old bumblebee – this was a winter-active bumblebee, or WAB for short.

In southern Europe, a proportion of bumblebees have always remained active through the winter, building their nests in autumn and producing new queens in spring. But in Britain, such behaviour was unheard of, historically – winters were too cold and flowers too sparse. But then came global warming, and gardening. The first British winter-active bumblebees were seen in the early 1990’s, and they have been a regular fixture ever since, increasing in number and geographic scope. But how have they managed it?

Over the past few decades, winters have become milder, particularly in the south of the UK, and especially so in towns and cities (the ‘urban heat island effect’). This shift has allowed the Buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) to become ‘winter-active’ in the same way as their Mediterranean cousins. In the UK, we define ‘winter-active’ as out of hibernation between November and February inclusive – while a few species stay out late (like the Common carder bumblebee (Bombus pascuorum) queen I saw at the garden centre) and others, such as the Tree bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum), often start the year early, appearing in February, only the Buff-tailed seems to actually have winter-active nests.

Bumblebees are pretty cold-tolerant thanks to their size, furry jackets, and a few other clever tricks, but they still need food.  That’s where the gardeners come in. Urban areas, in particular, offer a surprising amount of pollen and nectar through the winter, thanks to increased planting of ornamental shrubs like mahonia, winter-flowering heathers, and witch hazel. These nectar-rich plants provide reliable fuel for winter-flying bumblebees even when natural wildflowers are scarce – although the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland (BSBI) New Year Plant Hunt suggests that even native species are increasingly found in bloom in the depths of winter. For these cold-weather bumbles, gardens and parks effectively create pockets of habitat where they can survive the colder months.

Being able to do something doesn’t always mean you should, however. Winter-active colonies still face challenges: short daylight hours, sudden frosts, and periods of heavy rain all reduce their foraging time, while snow can blanket low-lying plants or nest entrances. And cold weather increases the amount of energy the bees need to fly, and to keep the nest toasty, which in turn increases their need for nectar. We still don’t have a great idea how well these winter-active colonies are actually doing – to be successful, a nest must at least produce a replacement queen for the next generation. But winter-active colonies produce males and new queens in spring, when it’s virtually impossible to tell if a queen out and about has just emerged from a nest, or from hibernation. Male Buff-tailed bumblebees are very difficult to reliably tell apart from workers, especially if you’re not looking for the differences. We do know that some nests are successful – there’s a steady dip of sightings of mating pairs of Buff-tailed bumblebees early in spring, when at least the males must be from overwintered nests (those from summer nests die off in early autumn).

But they must be doing something right. Sightings keep coming in every winter, from as far north as Inverness, although the south-east and south-west regions have by far the most records. And that’s where you come in. Every winter bumblebee sighting helps us understand how species are responding to climate change, where winter activity is happening, and which plants are most important for supporting them. Even a single observation contributes valuable data.

So if you spot a bumblebee on a winter walk – even on Christmas Day! – please record the sighting on iRecord. Uploading a sighting takes just a couple of minutes, through the website or via an app. A photo is ideal, but not essential. Your records help build a clearer picture of how bumblebees are changing their behaviour in a warming world. And the more we understand, the better we can protect them.

So this winter, keep an eye out. Bumblebees may be tougher – and the bumblebees busier – than you realised.

Since this project involved a relatively small input for such a big impact, it seemed a good one to share in the hope that other communities might also be encouraged to grow and share their pollinator-friendly blooms. We think this no cost activity is not only easy to do but also offers relaxing mindful moments as you gather seeds and create your own seed packets from paper. Interested? Here’s how …

Step 1 – Grow pollinator-friendly blooms with easy-to-harvest seedheads (e.g. cornflower, corn marigold, feverfew, nigella, ox-eye daisy).

Step 2 – Late Summer. Gather seeds from those flowers by waiting until they’re dry and then snip off the faded flower heads into a labelled paper bag. Store these somewhere cool and dry for 2 weeks.

Step 3 – Make origami seed packets reusing compostable paper (e.g. parish magazine). The RHS has a guide to follow.

Step 4 – Gently shake out or rub the seeds off the seed heads, then tip the seeds into your origami packets and store in a cool, dry and dark place (ideally in an airtight container).

Step 5 – Early Spring. Arrange an accessible local collection point (e.g. library, church) where you can leave your seeds and let folk drop in to take their pick! Consider creating an accompanying poster with basic advice on sowing and a toxicity warning if needed. Advertise your ‘Freebies for Free Bees’ within your community (e.g. public noticeboard, library, parish magazine, newsagent, GP practice).

Step 6 – Mid summer. Use the same channels to encourage those who collected your seeds to ‘Pass it on for Pollinators’ by sharing their seeds with family and friends.

That’s it! Six simple steps so we can all pull together for our pollinators and help nature thrive!

Gardening – create the habitat that bumblebees need

From town centre window ledges and balconies to suburban gardens and community green spaces, everyone can help create the places that bumblebees need to thrive.

• Plant a bumblebee-friendly plant in the ground, window box, hanging basket or pot. Check out our monthly planting guides for inspiration.
• Allow dandelions and other wildflowers aka ‘weeds’ to grow. Embrace the colour and variety that nature provides for free.
• Water your plants so they keep producing nectar and pollen. Bumblebees get all their fluids from flowers so it’s important to water plants in dry weather.
• Deadheading! Sounds a little extreme but removing faded flowers encourages plants to produce new flowers to feed hungry bumblebees.
• Add bumblebee nest spots. Put up a bird box, with some dried grass or other insulating material inside, to encourage Tree bumblebees to nest. Create a log or rock pile, with gaps inside, for a nest searching queen Red-tailed bumblebee to find in spring.

Fundraising – help us to help bumblebees!

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust is a charity and relies on funding and donations. By raising money, you can help us work with farmers to create more and better habitat, inspire children to learn about and love bumblebees, and help policy makers understand how to protect them. Whatever your budget, there’s something you can do to help.

• Make a one off or recurring donation to suit your budget.
• Buy a family member or friend a gift membership to mark a special occasion. They’ll receive a welcome pack and regular news from us throughout the year.
• Visit our online shop. You’ll find simple ID guides, pin badges, hoodies and more!
• Suggest your employer makes the Trust their charity of the year. Share our Bee the Change Business Guide.
• Raise funds when you shop online. From grocery shopping to car insurance, you can raise vital funds every time you shop online. Simply sign up to one or more of these fantastic platforms: Easy Fundraising, Give As You Live, Savoo, Pennies.

Volunteering – learn or share some bumblebee goodness  

Invest some time in doing good things for bumblebees and people, including yourself!

• Visit our YouTube channel and learn about bumblebees. Discover how bumblebees evolved, understand what pollination is, and explore how to identify and survey bumblebees.
• Help build a picture of when and where bumblebees are active by recording them on the iRecord app. Just download the app, take a photo of a bumblebee and upload it. It’ll even give you suggestions of which species it is so perfect for boosting your ID skills.
• Tell your local schools about our Bumblebee-friendly Schools Award. A perfect way to inspire the next generation.
• Make seed balls to use at home or give away to others. What could be better than a homemade bumblebee-friendly gift?
• Tell us what you’ve been doing for bumblebees. We’d love to hear about and share your stories with others through our e-news, blogs and social media. Get in touch at beethechange@bumblebeeconservation.org or tag us using #BeeTheChange on social media.

Got more time? Why not give these a go:

• Carry out a bumblebee-friendly survey of your garden or outdoor space. Draw yourself a bird’s eye view map (don’t worry, no artistic skill required) and mark out which plants are in flower during the seasons. Aim to have at least one bumblebee-friendly plant in flower from early spring all the way through to late autumn. If you spot any flower gaps, use our gardening resources to plan some new additions. Got it covered already? Let us know and help inspire others!
• Take on a Pollin8 fundraising challenge. Whether you Navig8 eight peaks in a week, Celebr8 with a bake sale, or Cre8 bumblebee-themed crafts, you’ll be part of our buzzing community of fundraisers, all doing something brilliant for bumblebees. There’s something for everyone!
• Get in touch with your local authority to advocate on behalf of your local bumblebees. Ask them what they’re doing to support pollinators in your area and if there are any opportunities to get involved.
• Volunteer your time and help bumblebees in your community while keeping costs low by joining or starting a local plant or seed swap group. Check out our resources for which plants and seeds are best.

Wildflowers not only add natural beauty and colour to your garden, but they also provide essential food and habitat for bumblebees. So, whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or a beginner looking to enhance your surroundings, read our step-by-step guide to help you create a flourishing wildflower patch that bumblebees will love!

If you purchased your wildflower seeds from us, your packet will contain a mix of annual and perennial wildflowers.

Annual wildflowers grow from seed, flower, and die all in the same year. They are quick to establish and colourful – great for instant impact in year one.

Perennial wildflowers come back year after year. They usually take longer to get going, but once established, they return and bloom again for many years.

A mix of both gives you quick colour now and ongoing benefits for bumblebees in the future!

Cutting your wildflower patch

To keep your patch healthy and buzzing with life, it’s important to give it a trim once a year. Here’s how:

When to Cut

• Late summer to early autumn is best – around August to September, after most flowers have finished and seeds have dropped.

How to Cut

• Cut everything down to about 5-10 cm tall.
• Use shears, a strimmer, or scythe – whatever works for your space.
• If possible, rake up the cuttings and remove them. Add them to your compost heap or garden waste.

Why This Helps

• Cutting stops grasses from taking over and keeps wildflowers coming back.
• Removing cuttings keeps the soil low in nutrients, which wildflowers love.
• It gives space for new seeds to sprout next year!

What to Expect

• Your wildflower patch may look patchy in year one – that’s normal!
• The best displays often appear from year two onwards.
• Every flower helps pollinators. With time, your patch will be buzzing with life!

Back on the mainland of Scotland, Annie, our Skills for Bees: Scotland Project Officer, has made great strides in recruiting, training and mentoring volunteer surveyors to find and record nationally rare bumblebees in the Cairngorms. The target species here are the Bilberry (or Blaeberry) bumblebee (Bombus monticola), Broken-belted bumblebee (Bombus soroeensis), and Moss carder bumblebee (Bombus muscorum). Annie will soon ‘bee’ moving on to even more rare invertebrate work in the Cairngorms in a new role with the RSPB. We’re sure Annie will continue to hold a special place for bumblebees in her heart, and we wish her well!

In 2003, although I’d kept honeybees for 30 years, I knew little about bumblebees. Then, my Beekeepers Association hosted a wonderful talk about bumblebees. The speaker explained how similar, but also how staggeringly different, bumblebees are to honeybees! They grabbed my attention and afterwards I dug out my copy of ‘Bumblebees’ by Prys-Jones & Corbet to re-read. The book recommended that the best way to learn more about bumblebees was to rescue a nest, one causing trouble to a householder, and bring them home to watch and learn from. A few months later my Beekeepers Association was told of a bumblebee colony that needed to be relocated, and I was drafted in to help. I managed to find and remove the nest and brought them home. It was fascinating to watch and learn and over 20 years on I am still interested in all things bumblebee!

When are Tree bumblebees active?

Nests are usually active from spring through to June or July when the new queens leave to mate, feed and then hibernate, and all the other bumblebees, the workers and the original queen, associated with the nest naturally die off.

Bumblebees are generally quite happy to live alongside their human neighbours, as long as they aren’t disturbed, and their nests don’t cause any structural damage to their surroundings. The best thing you can do is leave them to complete their natural lifecycle.

Where are Tree bumblebees found?

Tree bumblebees are found in mainland Europe, through Asia and up to the Arctic Circle. Although this species is a relatively recent addition to the UK, having been first recorded in Wiltshire in 2001, they are now present throughout England, Wales and much of Scotland. They have become one of our ‘Big 8’ most common bumblebee species. In 2017, they were found for the first time in Ireland. Have a look at the UK distribution map.

Tree bumblebees are very common in urban settings, partly due to their ability to exploit nest locations inadvertently provided by people, such as bird boxes or roof spaces. Look out for them on a variety of flowers, such as willow catkins, raspberry, comfrey, apple blossom, open roses and many more, from early spring through to the summer months.

What is the Tree bumblebee lifecycle?

The Tree bumblebee is one of the first bumblebee species to be seen in spring. In wild places, it is a ‘woodland edge’ species but in urban settings it is frequently associated with man-made structures. After emerging from hibernation, the newly emerged queens do “nest searching flights”, looking for somewhere snug and dark to set up home. Bumblebee queens usually do these nest-searching zig-zag flights over the ground, but with Tree bumblebees they also search along vertical surfaces. I’ve seen them search along fences, house walls at gutter level, around eaves and at bird box entrances.

Queens can be very resourceful and most nests are usually located well above ground level. Bird-boxes, containing old bird nests are commonly used, as well as roof spaces, especially those with insulation material which keeps the nest snug and warm. A range of other places can be used too, such as compost heaps and old mouse nests inside sheds. Each year, a few queens even set up home in fluff that has accumulated in tumble drier vent pipes. Colonies in animal bedding, such as straw, for example in rabbit hutches and horse stables, also seem to occur fairly frequently.

Dave Buttery

Once a queen has established her nest, it could be four to five weeks before her first daughters (workers) take over the foraging. The smaller workers stay at home and become ‘house bees’, which help to look after the nest, while the larger ones forage for pollen and nectar. It can take four to five months for the nest to go full-cycle and die out, but on average, nests last around three months. A strong nest can produce 300 – 400 bumblebee workers over its lifetime (not all at once) but most are likely to be much smaller.

Successful colonies will rear ‘reproductives’ which are new queens and males. Once they have emerged from the nest, new queens will mate, build up in-body food reserves, then find somewhere to hibernate until the following year. A few queens – instead of hibernating – start their own new nest which could continue into the autumn. Males leave the nest and never return, living a self-sufficient life for a few weeks, while foraging for themselves and looking for opportunities to mate.

Do Tree bumblebees cause any problems? Not really!

The presence of bumblebees, especially if the nest is in a bird box or roof-space, can sometimes be worrying for their “human neighbours”. However, by the time a nest has become obvious it will often be about to decline naturally.

They don’t cause any damage. Some people get worried that the bumblebees will cause damage, but they do not build any permanent structures or cause any structural damage to buildings. Their nests are small and will naturally fall apart over time. If desired, nests can be removed when the colony has finished nesting, and died out.

Bumblebees don’t swarm. Male Tree bumblebees exhibit a behaviour called ‘nest surveillance‘ or ‘lekking’ towards the end of the nesting period. They are hanging around, waiting for a mating opportunity with a new queen. This looks like a cloud of bumblebees hovering outside the nest entrance. Such activity catches the eye, draws attention to the nest and can cause concern. Some people might think that it looks like a honeybee “swarm” but honeybees wouldn’t choose a bird-box (it’s too small) and the bees look too big, have white tails and are the wrong shape.

This activity happens mainly in May/June/July. It can occur over most daylight hours and may last several weeks. There might be one male doing it or 20 plus. Warm temperatures and sunshine increase the number of bumblebees, whereas cool damp weather, or rain, reduces numbers. Males often join and leave the cloud as they move from nest to nest: they are probably following a ‘patrol route’. They can also be seen to drop out of the throng, to visit flowers to get some more nectar – like popping into a garage to get some more ‘fuel’.

In slow motion film of this activity, the males can be seen facing towards the nest. When such ‘dancing’ is going on, a few bumblebees fly directly to/from the colony straight through the cloud – these are workers and are usually smaller than the males. Occasionally males dart towards each other and fall out of the air with an audible bang – this is mistaken-identity mating activity. When new queens emerge, they look distinctly large. The males attempt to mate which can, at first glance, look like fighting. A mating pair might fall to the ground, where they can remain coupled for a considerable time. Queens can even fly, carrying the male to somewhere more ‘private’!

Clive Hill

Bumblebee nests can make a little noise. A “bee-sound” can occasionally occur if a colony is in a roof space above a room. The “bee-chatter” can sometimes be heard into “human anti-social hours” and so cause annoyance. Sounds of fanning for nest ventilation (which can sound like a buzzing or a low gentle roar) are common, as well as intermittent ‘peep’ sounds. Earplugs can help reduce disturbance for the time the nest is active.

What happens when Tree bumblebees are disturbed?

Tree bumblebee nests in bird boxes fixed to sheds, or based somewhere inside a shed, or fixed to an insecure fence, may be disturbed by, and react defensively to vibration. They can rush to the entrance all at once, and may fly at, or sting people nearby whenever the vibration occurs. The triggers for such defensiveness can be when someone opens/shuts the shed door which causes the whole shed to shake a bit. They can also be disturbed by nearby lawn mowers, or by the box being knocked directly. If you can, it’s best to give them a bit of space, by minimising whatever caused the reaction, until they are finished nesting.

This behaviour does not seem to occur with colonies in house loft-spaces, or elsewhere in buildings, very likely since the building structure will absorb vibration, not transmit it.  Some householders can get ‘jumpy’ at the very idea of a bumblebee colony living so close-by, but most people quickly get used to the bees and such situations almost always work out to be a non-problem in real life.  Most people grow to enjoy watching their bumblebee neighbours and feel sad when it dies out naturally, a few weeks after it was first spotted.

Can I move a nest box of Tree bumblebees?

We do not recommend moving nests unless absolutely necessary. It is much better for the bumblebees if they can stay where they are, and thoughtful education of the “human landlords” can change their mindset from consternation about the bumblebees into great interest and wonder! However, in a few cases it might be necessary to relocate a colony so here’s how to go about it.

Wait for any flying bumblebees to return home – usually at very late dusk. Be aware that you might get stung, but bumblebee stings are un-barbed, so you only get a small dose of venom. Work in the dark wearing protective clothing, including washing-up type rubber gloves. Use red light, from a cycle rear-light or a head torch, to see what you are doing. Bumblebees are unable to see red unless it is incredibly bright on them – so to them it will be dark. Then they can’t see what’s going on, and only crawl, not fly.

Quickly stop up the nest-box entrance using something air-porous, like a kitchen scourer pad, or a piece a flexible foam sponge pad. Lift the box from its hook. Check for, and put something over any gaps that the bumblebees could get through. Keep the box upright.

Now there are two options:

• Re-locating close-by (3 – 4 metres). Re-locate the nest box onto a stable surface close to its original location but in a position less awkward for human passers-by. The following day, quickly remove the sponge and any other covers to release the bees and retire to a safe distance. When they come out of the box the bumblebees will quickly ‘re-orientate’ by making repetitive arcing flights around the nest entrance to learn their new surroundings.
• Re-locating further away. Keep the box upright and somewhere cool and dark overnight while the bumblebees are shut in. The following day, fix the box to a firm surface not liable to vibration and ideally a mile or more from the original location. Remove the bung and stand back – again the bumblebees will re-orientate. Make sure you have landowner permission to do this. The reason for the mile spatial separation is to minimise the risk of bumblebees returning to the original nest location to which they used to come home.

In either case at the original location, a few bumblebees might return. These will be ones who camped-out overnight then came back to find ‘home’ gone, but these will soon diminish.

A little about me

I’ve always cared deeply for the natural world from a very young age, so it felt only natural to embark on a career that was related to gardens.

My interest in bumblebees stemmed from my career, having witnessed first-hand the negative impacts human activity can have on their environment.

Through research and intervention, I realised that by changing the way we manage our gardens, we can collectively make a positive difference. I then started to design gardens for wildlife and began re-educating my clients, friends and family about the importance of wild bees.

How long have you been volunteering for the Trust?

I joined the Trust as a member in 2023 and began volunteering for the Trust as an outreach volunteer in 2024.

What made you decide to do volunteering and why bumblebees?

My son was having a ‘World Bee Day’ at his primary school, so I volunteered to talk to the children and help with some bee-related activities, including sowing pollinator-friendly plants to take home. It turned out to be a success, and the children were really engaged. Many parents (including teachers) were also inspired, and asked me questions about how they could help.

I think it was at this point I realised we can educate more people through our children. I also believe that it’s crucial for children to understand the importance of bumblebees from a young age, and don’t think there’s enough information covered in schools. I want to protect the future health and wellbeing of our children and inspire future generations to help save our bumblebees.

What is the best thing about your time volunteering?

Many children are afraid of bees. Seeing the children develop a newfound love and respect for bumblebees and solitary bees after each event is awesome.

What contribution or achievement are you most proud of?

I think receiving positive comments from various people I have come into contact with, either informing me of the bumblebees they have seen on the new plants I recommended, or the solitary bees they’ve spotted in the latest bee hotel they have installed. It makes my heart sing!

What is the most challenging part?

I think standing up in front of an audience is always a bit daunting, regardless of their age. But once you start talking about something you’re passionate about the nerves subside. In the back of my mind, I’m always reminding myself why I’m doing it.

What motivates you to stay volunteering?

That’s easy. Seeing the BeeWalk results of 2024 was enough to spur me on, and I felt more determined than ever to try and help. The volunteer team are amazing and very supportive with each other too. I received all the tools I needed to assist with my talks, including training and an outreach event pack. Someone from the volunteer team was always on hand to help if I was unsure of anything.

What skills have you gained through volunteering?

Definitely more confidence, which is great for public speaking. From a garden design point of view, it’s opened my eyes to how I create planting plans. I’m definitely more conscientious about the plants I choose for my designs. I will never buy bedding plants again!

Finally…

There are many different ways to support bumblebees, and I guarantee there is a role out there for you. You will be fully supported, so please don’t feel afraid to take the first leap. You will be doing something incredible for our future, and you will be amazed at how much you learn along the way!

You can find more information on our Volunteer webpage and if you’d like to get in contact, you can email us at volunteering@bumblebeeconservation.org – we’d love to hear from you!

In September 2024, our Bee Connected project was incredibly excited to re-record the UK’s rarest bee – the Shrill carder bumblebee – in south Kent; a rediscovery of this species after a 12-year absence. This rare bumblebee was recorded on a small holding in Newchurch, Romney Marsh, owned by Jacqui Bamford by project volunteer Claire Marshall. Subsequently, workers, males and a queen were recorded.

At the end of April 2025, volunteers George and Julie Kirby recorded a queen Shrill carder bumblebee whilst on a BeeWalk at MOD Hythe ranges, just under 10 miles from the discovery in the Newchurch location last year! Julie spotted what she thought was a worn, faded bumblebee, and George caught it for closer inspection and, to their delight, confirmed a Shrill carder bumblebee.

Could this be a separate population? We don’t know for sure, but these recordings demonstrate the importance of citizen scientists conducting BeeWalks and ad hoc recordings, which help us record new locations for both rare and common bumblebee species and add to our knowledge of population changes over time. They also show the importance of giving bespoke habitat advice on seasonal flower abundance, diversity, and length, ensuring the continuation of forage.

The potential that Shrill carder bumblebees have recolonised the South Kent area is an exciting development and follows years of work by Bumblebee Conservation Trust coordinating and bringing together stakeholders for a strategic approach to their conservation. The conservation strategy for the Shrill carder be developed in 2020, ensures all efforts are working towards a common vision:

“It is 2050. The Shrill carder bumblebee is thriving, with sustainable populations that are spreading and connecting across a network of flower-rich landscapes. This recovery is founded on a robust understanding of its needs, and coordinated action at national, local and community level. As a flagship species, the Shrill carder bumblebee is valued as an important part of our natural heritage.”

The strategy manages the conservation efforts for Shrill carder bumblebee (Bombus sylvarum) across their range and includes tasks such as the creation of habitat through the development of landscape scale projects; responding to planning applications that may affect the species; and even aiding student projects to address knowledge gaps. For example, we are currently helping a PhD student from the University of Cambridge to explore the genetics of the species which may, in time, give us some answers as to where these new sightings in South Kent have come from!

At the Trust we recognise the crucial role of nature-friendly farming to conserve bumblebee populations. Bumblebees and their habitats are also vital for a sustainable agricultural and food system.

From 19 – 25 May 2025 we are celebrating and supporting Nature-Friendly Farming Week. The theme this year is ‘More than Growing Food’. As well as growing food, farmers do so much more including protecting and enhancing habitats for wildlife, supporting local communities and providing opportunities for education.

A key objective in our new Trust strategy is that ‘More agricultural land is managed in bumblebee-friendly ways’. We have created our ‘Bringing the Buzz Back to Farming’ Agricultural Action Plan which outlines the key actions we need to take to deliver this objective. Below is a summary of our main aims.

We want to ensure the needs of bumblebees and other pollinators are considered in agricultural and food policies. We aim to achieve this though continuing our vital policy work, working with our bumblebee species champions and engaging in relevant consultations.

We will continue to work alongside farmers to deliver advice to encourage action for bumblebees on farmland. We will do this though our current and future conservation projects and our knowledgeable and experienced staff. We have a knowledgeable and experienced team. In the last 12 months, 11 members of our team have completed BASIS training in Principles of Sustainable Land Management with four team members achieving the advanced Certificate level.

We will support farmers and their advisors to develop a better understanding of what they need to do to benefit bumblebees on their land. We are excited to be developing resources and guidance that outline how bumblebees and farming can work together.

We will champion Nature-Friendly Farming by working with partners and in collaboration with others who are also championing and supporting nature-friendly farming and initiatives. Lastly, will take part in key agricultural events to promote and support nature-friendly farming. Look out for us this year at our stand at Groundswell from 2-3 July 2025.

Exciting news for farms and bumblebees

Earlier this year, our Conservation Projects Manager (South East) Dr Nikki Gammans became the first recipient of the LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) Caroline Drummond Scholarship for Innovation in Sustainability. This has enabled Nikki to continue work on developing this first bumblebee-focused farm cluster groups in the UK. The first of these will be based in the South-East. Find out more.

What can I do to support Nature-Friendly Farming?

Nature-Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) is a farmer-led organisation that champions and supports nature-friendly farmers. The Bumblebee Conservation Trust are on the NFFN advisory group. The network is also open for members of the public to join for free and register their support.

This year NFFN are asking members of the public to spread the word in the lead-up and during Nature-Friendly Farming Week and show their support for Nature-Friendly Farmers. To get involved: Like, share and comment across their social media channels. Look for and use the hashtag #NFFWeek2025

Are you a farmer? Find out what you can do to celebrate Nature-Friendly Farming week.