BUMBLEBEE CONSERVATION TRUST

view online Bumblebee Conservation Trust logo Montage of images including bumblebees, people and flowers January is the perfect month to start dreaming of warmer days and the buzz of bumblebees visiting our gardens and local green spaces! A little forward planning at this time of year can create vibrant spring and summer havens to help support these precious pollinators. Choosing a variety of bee-friendly flowers means you will provide sources of nectar and pollen throughout the bumblebee season and, if you leave some suitable space, may even attract a queen bumblebee to set up her nest. This month we bring you news about winter active Buff-tailed bumblebees, inspiration from volunteer Kevin Henry and a mystery gift for new members you won't want to miss! Have you spotted your first bumblebee of 2025? 👀 Buff-tailed bumblebee mid flight towards pussy willow It might be January, but there have already been sightings of our beloved bumblers this year. While we usually associate bumblebees with the sound of summer, some species like the Buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris), can be active through the winter months, especially in urban areas. Keep your eyes peeled next time you’re out on a winter walk! If you’re lucky enough to spot one and would like to add to our understanding of where and when bumblebees are active please submit your sighting on iRecord 👇 Don’t forget to share your bee-rilliant photos and videos with us on Instagram and Facebook. Submit your sightings to iRecord 🐝 Bee the Change - plan for pollinator success Bumblebee on purple flower No matter where you live - whether in the heart of the city or the countryside - there are plenty of ways you can help bumblebees thrive in your local area. These charismatic insects are vital for our ecosystems, and even small actions can make a big difference! This year, you can 'Bee the Change'. Start by planting bee-friendly flowers in your garden, balcony or window box. If space is limited or you don't have a garden, you could share our resources on social media, or perhaps become a volunteer to help spread the word. For more inspiration and advice, explore our downloadable resources on our website. From step-by-step guides to blogs, we're here to help you take micro-actions for bumblebees. Together we can create a better world for bumblebees - starting right in your local area! Bee the Change resources 🏵️ Blog - How I've set up bumblebee nest boxes in my garden For over 10 years, volunteer Kevin Henry has been trying to encourage bumblebee queens to nest in his garden by providing a variety of bumblebee nest boxes. Tree bumblebees in flight entering bird box Inspiring seasonal flowers for bumblebees 📹 Bumblebee coming into land on purple crocus Bumblebees need a constant supply of nectar and pollen rich flowers from March to October. Discover what you can plant to help feed bumblebees across the seasons! 🌱☀️ Visit our YouTube channel 🎥 To new bee-ginnings! Join us in 2025 Illustration showing flowers and bumblebees with content of member pack with black writing 2024 was the worst year on record for UK bumblebees 💔 Our BeeWalk data shows that on average bumblebees were down 22% nationwide. We need to change this. By becoming a member of the Trust you help us: 🌻 Create and restore wildflower habitats. 🤝 Work with landowners and farmers to create more habitat for bumblebees. 📊 Study the effects of climate change on bumblebees and research ways to reverse their decline. 🪧 Influence decision makers to prioritise pollinators not pesticides. 🐝 Lead the fight to secure a future for bumblebees. Join today and get a FREE mystery item in your welcome pack! Become a bumblebee member❤️ Did you know you can subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow our projects on X: @nikkigammans @BuzzingWales @BuzzingShrill @BuzzingScotland YouTube icon Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Registered Charity No: 1115634 / Scottish Charity No: SC042830. © 2025 Bumblebee Conservation Trust. All rights reserved. You are receiving this newsletter because you are already a member, subscribed via our website, an event or when becoming a volunteer. We hope you enjoy reading it! Registered address: International House, 109-111 Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8JA; Correspondence address: Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Beta Centre, Stirling University Innovation Park, Stirling FK9 4NF Unsubscribe