Bumble Bee Safari
Why bumblebees matter
Vicky began by explaining the work of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Although it is a small charity, it works across the UK and relies heavily on volunteers. A major part of its work is not only conservation, but also collecting data.
Before the 1950s, there was very little recorded information about bumblebees, so modern data collection is essential. Volunteers can help by becoming bee walkers, observing bumblebees in their local green spaces and submitting records to national databases. This helps conservation organisations understand which species are thriving, which are declining, and where support is most urgently needed.
Vicky explained that bumblebee conservation is happening across the UK. She spoke about rare species such as the shrill carder bee in the south of England, and the great yellow bumblebee, which is now no longer found in England and Wales and is only hanging on in parts of northern Scotland and the outer Hebrides.
This loss of species is linked to many factors, including changes in habitat, climate, land use and the way we manage green spaces. It was a powerful reminder that what happens locally, in our gardens, parks, allotments and growing spaces, matters.
Bumblebees and their ancient relationship with flowers
Vicky shared that bumblebees evolved millions of years ago in the northern hemisphere, branching away from wasps as flowering plants began to develop. Over time, they moved away from a carnivorous diet and began feeding on nectar and pollen.
This created a deep relationship between bumblebees and flowers. Many plants and pollinators have evolved together, with certain flowers relying on particular types of bee to pollinate them. This is why bumblebees are so important within our ecosystems and food systems.
She described bumblebees beautifully as insects wearing “a furry jacket”, and when you understand where they evolved, this makes sense. Bumblebees are adapted for cooler climates and can be active in conditions where other insects may struggle.
Bumblebees, honeybees and solitary bees
One of the most useful parts of the session was understanding the difference between bumblebees, honeybees and solitary bees.
Vicky explained that there are 24 species of bumblebee in the UK. Of these, 18 are social bumblebees, living in family groups, and 6 are cuckoo bumblebees. Cuckoo bumblebees behave in a similar way to cuckoo birds. They enter another bumblebee nest, remove or kill the queen, lay their own eggs, and the existing workers raise their young.
Honeybees are different. They are largely managed or farmed by beekeepers, in a similar way to other agricultural animals. Their colonies are much larger and they produce honey stores to survive through winter.
Solitary bees are different again. Vicky explained that there are around 270 species of bee in the UK, with only 24 being bumblebees and one being the honeybee. The rest are solitary bees, such as leafcutter bees, mason bees and carpenter bees. These are often smaller and live alone rather than in large colonies.
Participants were encouraged to think beyond the usual idea of “bees” and begin noticing the huge variety of pollinators around us, including moths, flies and butterflies.
The bumblebee life cycle
Vicky explained that bumblebees have a seasonal life cycle.
In early spring, the queen comes out of hibernation. She is often tired, disorientated and in urgent need of food. This is why early flowering plants are so important. Crocuses, willow, hawthorn, blackthorn and other early flowering trees and plants can provide vital nectar and pollen when queens first emerge.
The queen then begins a new nest. Through spring and summer, workers are produced and begin foraging for nectar and pollen. Towards the end of summer, the nest produces males and new queens. These new queens mate, then find somewhere safe to hibernate through winter, ready to begin the cycle again the following spring.
The old queen, workers and males die off naturally. Unlike honeybee colonies, bumblebee nests do not carry on year after year. A new queen starts a new nest each spring.
Vicky also explained that bumblebee life cycles are temperature driven. A warm spell in winter can disturb hibernation, and cooler weather can influence the length of the nesting season. This links directly to wider concerns around climate and seasonal disruption.
Nesting and why we should leave nests alone
A clear message from the session was: if you are lucky enough to have a bumblebee nest in your garden, leave it alone and let it complete its natural cycle.
Most bumblebee nests only last from around March to late August or September, depending on the weather. Bumblebees are not aggressive if left undisturbed. They may defend their nest if threatened, but they are generally gentle and can often be observed safely from a respectful distance.
Vicky explained that bumblebees do not navigate in the same way honeybees do. They use visual memory to find their way back to the nest. This means that moving a bumblebee nest can kill it, because the bees may not be able to find their way home.
Different species nest in different places. Some nest underground, often in old rodent nests. Some nest in long grass. Tree bumblebees may use old bird boxes or cavities above the ground. Participants were encouraged to leave old bird boxes in place, as even if birds are no longer using them, bumblebees might.
Long grass, log piles, leaf piles, compost heaps and undisturbed corners can all provide valuable nesting or hibernation habitat.
Small spaces can make a big difference
One of the most encouraging messages from Vicky was that you do not need a huge garden to help bumblebees.
A simple pot of flowers on a balcony, doorstep, backyard or windowsill can make a real difference. Vicky explained that a bumblebee can be around 40 minutes away from starvation, so small pockets of food across a neighbourhood can act like stepping stones, helping bees move safely through urban spaces.
This is especially relevant to Thriving with the Seasons, because the project works with people in areas where many homes have small backyards rather than large gardens. The project places strong emphasis on growing in small spaces, seasonal food heritage, and helping people reconnect with nature even where access to green space is limited.
Vicky encouraged people to plant across the seasons, thinking about what flowers early in spring, what feeds bees through summer, and what continues into autumn.
Plants that help bumblebees
Participants discussed the value of planting for bees throughout the year.
Useful plants mentioned included:
- crocuses and early spring bulbs
- willow, hawthorn and blackthorn
- flowering herbs such as chives, mint and garlic
- foxgloves and snapdragons
- flowering vegetables that have bolted
- radish flowers and seed pods
- native trees and shrubs
- long grass, nettles, thistles and dandelions
Vicky encouraged people not to be too tidy. A wild patch in a garden or allotment can be incredibly valuable. Dandelions, nettles, thistles and long grass are often seen as mess, but they provide food and habitat for insects.
She also spoke about allowing vegetables to flower. Rather than removing every plant that bolts, she suggested leaving some for the bees. Radishes, onions, leeks and herbs can all provide food for pollinators when they flower.
This links beautifully with the wider environmental aims of Thriving with the Seasons, which include encouraging biodiversity, pollinator protection, native planting, composting, low waste growing, and traditional low impact growing methods.
Buzz pollination, the bumblebee superpower
One of the most fascinating parts of the session was learning about buzz pollination.
Vicky described this as the bumblebee’s “superpower”. Bumblebees can detach their wings from their flight muscles and vibrate their bodies. This vibration helps release pollen from certain flowers.
This is particularly important for foods such as tomatoes and blueberries. Some plants are not easily pollinated by honeybees because of the structure of the flower or the length of the bee’s tongue. Bumblebees have different tongue lengths, ranging from around 6mm to 20mm, meaning they can access tubular flowers such as foxgloves and snapdragons.
This helped participants understand that bumblebees are not just “nice to have”. They play a vital role in food production, biodiversity and the health of the ecosystems we depend on.
Observing and identifying bumblebees
After the talk, participants were invited to safely observe bumblebees using small pots and tissue. Vicky explained how to do this carefully, making sure the bees were protected and not kept in the pots for too long.
The tissue helped reduce the space inside the pot so the bee did not panic, buzz around or injure itself. Participants were shown how to release the bees safely above head height, allowing them to fly away without becoming disorientated or flying into someone’s face.
During the walk, several bumblebees were spotted and identified, including:
Early bumblebee
This was one of the first bees found. Vicky explained that early bumblebees are small, often with a yellow stripe and an orange tail. The bee observed was a worker, carrying pollen on her back legs.
Common carder bee
A common carder bee was also found. Vicky explained that carder bees are ginger in colour and often nest in long grass. They pull grass together to build their nests, which means they can be vulnerable to strimmers and mowing.
Buff-tailed bumblebee
Participants also observed a buff-tailed bumblebee, identified by its two yellow stripes and creamy, milky white tail. Vicky explained how buff-tailed and white-tailed workers can sometimes be hard to tell apart, especially later in summer when their colours fade and their bodies become worn.
Tree bumblebee
A tree bumblebee was also identified. Vicky explained that tree bumblebees are relatively new arrivals to the UK from Europe and have become very successful. She suggested that one reason may be that they nest above ground, in trees or bird boxes, which protects them from mowers, strimmers and ground disturbance.
Pollen baskets and female workers
Vicky showed participants how to spot pollen baskets on the back legs of female bumblebees.
Female workers and queens have smooth, shiny areas on their hind legs where they carry pollen. As they visit flowers, pollen sticks to their furry bodies. The bee then grooms herself, mixes the pollen with a little nectar to make it sticky, and packs it onto her back legs to carry back to the nest.
This pollen is used to feed the young. Male bumblebees and cuckoo bumblebees do not collect pollen in this way, so their back legs are hairy rather than smooth.
This was one of those lovely moments where something you might have seen a hundred times suddenly makes sense. Once you know what you are looking at, the whole living world becomes more alive.
Helping tired bumblebees
Participants asked what to do if they find a bumblebee on the ground looking tired.
Vicky explained that in early spring, when queens are coming out of hibernation, they may need time to warm up and feed. If there are flowers nearby, gently moving the bee onto a flower can help. A little sugar water can also be offered as a short-term support.
However, Vicky advised strongly against taking bumblebees indoors. Because bumblebees are temperature driven, bringing them into a warm house can disrupt their life cycle and confuse their natural rhythms.
The best support is usually gentle, simple and close to nature: move them out of danger, place them near food, and give them time.
Bumblebees are gentle, but they do communicate
Vicky explained that bumblebees are generally placid and not aggressive. Only females can sting. Males do not sting.
Unlike honeybees, bumblebees have a smooth sting, so they do not die after stinging. Honeybees have a barbed sting, which can remain in the skin, causing the bee to die afterwards.
Participants also learned about the bumblebee “high five”. If a bumblebee raises one of its legs while lying on its side or resting, this can be a warning signal meaning “back off”. It is a sign that the bee feels threatened and wants space.
This was a lovely reminder that respectful observation is key. We do not have to interfere with everything. Sometimes the best thing we can do is simply notice, learn and give nature room.
A walk that became more than just a bee safari
The session was not only educational. It was also deeply connecting.
People shared stories about their gardens, allotments, flowering trees, herbs, childhood memories and the bees they had noticed at home. There were conversations about not mowing too much, letting plants flower, sharing space with insects, and the simple contentment of being outdoors, weeding, observing and co-existing with nature.
One participant described feeling content while gardening, with bees moving around nearby, both human and bee simply doing their thing in the same shared space. That really captured the heart of the session.
What we can all do to help bumblebees
Vicky’s key practical messages were simple and achievable:
- Plant flowers, herbs and trees that bloom at different times of year
- Leave some wild areas if you can
- Avoid disturbing nests
- Do not move bumblebee nests
- Leave old bird boxes, log piles, leaf piles and compost areas where possible
- Reduce mowing and strimming where bees may be nesting or feeding
- Avoid pesticides
- Let some herbs and vegetables flower
- Put out pots of flowers, even in small spaces
- Help tired bees gently, but do not take them indoors
- Observe with kindness and curiosity
Final reflection
The Bumblebee Safari was a beautiful reminder that nature connection does not have to be complicated. Sometimes it begins with standing still long enough to notice who else is sharing the space with us.
Bumblebees are small, but their role is huge. They support our flowers, our food, our gardens, our growing spaces and the wider web of life. They are part of our ecological heritage, but also part of our everyday wellbeing, because when we slow down enough to listen, watch and learn, something in us softens too.
Thriving with the Seasons is about bringing this kind of knowledge back into community life. Not as something distant or academic, but as living, practical wisdom we can use in our own gardens, yards, parks and growing spaces.
Thank you to Vicky for sharing her knowledge, passion and time, and to everyone who came along, asked questions, spotted bees and helped make the walk such a rich and memorable session.