Volunteer taster session: identification and BeeWalk survey
Interested in pollinators? Curious about citizen science?
Join us for a free Volunteer Taster Session in Fordham Park to learn how to identify common bumblebee species and take part in a guided BeeWalk survey!
We will meet at an entrance to the park on Pagnell Street. The meeting point is a three minute walk from New Cross Train Station. There are toilets and opportunities to buy food/ drinks in local cafes.
The BeeWalk is 1-2 km around Fordham Park, we will be walking at a gentle pace and expect to finish by 3:30pm.
No prior knowledge needed – ideal for beginners, nature lovers, and those curious about volunteering with bumblebees!
What to expect
- Introduction to bumblebees and why they matter
- Tips and tricks for identifying common species
- Learn how to safely catch and pot bumblebees
- A guided BeeWalk following a standard survey route
- Opportunity to ask questions and learn about ongoing volunteer opportunities
- We will record the location, date, start and end times for each transect, the weather conditions (temperature, wind speed, cloud cover), bumblebees to species and caste (queen, worker, male), the flowers they are feeding on, as well as any honeybees.
What to bring
- Outdoor clothing suitable for the weather
- Sturdy footwear (some uneven terrain)
- Water/snacks
- (Optional) You could bring pen and paper for recording and making notes (if not doing digitally) and any nets, pots, hand lenses, and ID books if you have them to use on the day. We will also provide all necessary equipment.
This session is free, but booking is essential as places are limited.
If you can no longer make the BeeWalk, then please contact Scarlett Weston on the contact above.
We are looking forward to seeing you all there!
