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.