About the event

We shall begin in the classroom, with a discussion on bumblebee conservation and decline, evolution, lifecycle and their autecology. We will cover identification of all UK species, and there will be opportunities to view pinned specimens.

In the afternoon, we will walk around the Tyland Barn visitor centre garden and meadows. Each participant will be given a net, hand lens and ID sheet for collection.

The objective will be to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills of bumblebee ecology and identification. Students should leave the day with a clear idea of how they can carry forward their interest and continue their study of bumblebees.

Led by Dr Nikki Gammans, Bumblebee Project Manager, Short-haired Bumblebee Reintroduction Project. and Geoff Allen, expert on bees, wasps and ants, and recorder for Kent Field Club.

This day is suitable for persons who know how to identify the big seven and wish to further their skills in other bumblebee species.