18 July 2024
London may seem like an unlikely location for a conservation project with its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and sprawling urban landscape, but hidden across 11 boroughs in East London are flourishing, flower-rich spaces that are home to some of the UK’s rarest bumblebee species. Our project, Buzzing in the East End (B.E.E), has begun exploring these areas with a series of bumblebee blitz surveys, and we have made some exciting discoveries so far.
Scarlett Weston
It was under overcast skies, at the shore of an artificial lake surrounded by Brutalist architecture in Bexley, that we set out to undertake our first bumblebee blitz. Insect nets in hand, we wandered across Southmere Park’s mown grassland and followed footpaths past paddocks where horses grazed. Amidst the overgrown path verges, white dead-nettles were in full bloom, attracting an array of pollinating insects. One queen bumblebee feasting from the flowers caught our attention – orange-tipped tail, straw-yellow colouring, and a striking black band between her wings. We had just found the elusive Shrill carder bumblebee (Bombus sylvarum), the UK’s rarest bumblebee. This discovery underscores the importance of East London as a crucial habitat for rare pollinators.
The momentum continued on our second survey, starting in Newham and heading into the heart of Hackney. The sun was shining, and the wildflower meadows were a mosaic of vibrant colours teeming with life. As luck would have it, our very first catch of the day was a queen of another rare species, the Brown-banded carder bumblebee (Bombus humilis). This beautiful ginger bumblebee seems to be a symbol of hope for conservation in our capital city, and we went on to record not one but five queens in Olympic Park that day.
Scarlett Weston
We are eager to see what other rare bumblebees may appear in our future blitzes. Historically, the Ruderal bumblebee (Bombus ruderatus) and Red-shanked carder bumblebee (Bombus ruderarius) have been recorded in London, and there are even unverified sightings of the Moss carder bumblebee (Bombus muscorum). These blitzes help us to determine where the rare bumblebees are, assess the quality of their habitat, identify areas needing advice, and focus our future work.
Scarlett Weston
Throughout the Buzzing in the East End (B.E.E) project, we have embarked on a journey of exploration and engagement. We have offered land management advice, recruited new volunteers and BeeWalkers through informative ID events, and fostered meaningful connections with local community groups. The outpouring of support for the project so far has been incredible. Six months in, Buzzing in the East End (B.E.E) has delivered 19 events, including 12 identification workshops to 170 people, two school visits inspiring 180 children, and attended five community celebrations, leading walks, talks, stands and seedball-making with 150 enthusiastic participants. Additionally, we have helped establish 10 new BeeWalks, encouraging citizen scientists to contribute valuable data. Our team has conducted site visits across the boroughs, providing expert guidance to landowners—including parks, churches, allotments, industrial sites, and nature reserves—on enhancing habitats for bumblebees. Crucially, we’ve been listening to local residents and community groups, gathering their insights and ideas for what they would like improved in their local area and what barriers may be preventing this from happening. By gathering data on rare bumblebee populations and embracing the visions of local communities, Buzzing in the East End (B.E.E) is poised to pursue future funding to ensure a sustained impact in the region.
Nikki Gammans
If you would like to hear more updates from the project, insights into the bumblebees living in London, and invites to upcoming events and volunteering opportunities, sign up to the Buzzing in the East End (B.E.E) monthly newsletter.
Written by Scarlett Weston, Buzzing in the East End (B.E.E) Project Development Officer and Nikki Gammans, South East England Conservation Projects Manager.
