Entry-level BeeWalk bumblebee identification training

Join the Bumblebee Conservation Trust’s Science Manager, Dr Richard Comont, for an engaging afternoon exploring bumblebee natural history, monitoring, and identification. Richard will introduce the fascinating world of bumblebees—what they are, how they evolved, and how they function. You’ll also discover how the Trust monitors their populations, what recent survey data reveals, and how you can get involved through the BeeWalk scheme and the PoMS FIT Counts survey.

After a short break, the session will focus on identifying bumblebees as a group and distinguishing them from other flying insects found across Britain. You’ll learn how and why the different castes (queens, workers, and males)vary, and how to tell them apart. The training will conclude with practical guidance on identifying the ‘Big 8’ widespread and abundant bumblebee species, which make up around 99% of those commonly seen in gardens, parks, and green spaces.