FROM BUMBLEBEE CONSERVATION — THE HAIRY FOOTED BEE AND MORE

view online Bumblebee Conservation Trust logo Early bumblebee in flight above white crocus with the words 'February 2026' in bottom left hand corner February brings more rain and a winter chill, but there are welcome signs of spring in the air. Crocuses are beginning to push through the soil, adding splashes of colour, and more importantly, nectar for emerging queen bumblebees. As the days lengthen and nature begins to stir, there's plenty to look forward to🌷 Meet the Hairy-footed flower bee 🐝 Solitary bee in flight with greenery and purple flowers This is one of the first solitary bees to emerge in spring. People often confuse them for small bumblebees, although their quick darting flight is a good way to tell them apart. Seen from February through to June, they are frequent visitors to lungworts, primroses, dead-nettles and comfrey. Hairy-footed flower bee🐝 Get ready to count the UK's bumblebees 🐝 Person writing on form on clipboard while looking at flowers with a friend to the right BeeWalk is our national citizen science scheme keeping tabs on the UK’s bumblebees - showing us which species are thriving and which are in trouble. If you can identify the basic bumblebee species, you’re ready to take part. Simply choose a one mile route, walk it once a month from March to October, and record the bumblebees you spot. That’s it - simple, powerful science! Be prepared! By registering and setting up your transect now, you'll be ready for bumblebee season, and ready to provide important data to our science team to help detect early signs of population declines. Find out more 🐝 Growing bumblebee-friendly schools🥇 Group of young children with teacher smiling in area of wildflowers In 2025, our Bumblebee-friendly Schools Award had a fantastic impact: schools across 24 UK counties took part, with 3,000 students learning about bumblebees, 79 flower species planted on school grounds, and 500 bumblebees recorded by students! It’s been brilliant to see young people taking action to help pollinators thrive, and we want to continue spreading the buzz in 2026. If you’re an educator, or have links with a school or home-educated groups, we'd love you to share the scheme and help us inspire the next generation of bumblebee champions. PLUS there's an exciting award announcement on the horizon - watch this space! Apply today 🏆 'Bee' ID ready this spring Person sat on ground with book looking at bumblebee in pot with selection of items in circles to right Bumblebee season is on the way, so why not give your ID skills a quick polish with one of our brilliant bumblebee guides? Starting at just £2, we're sure you'll find the perfect item for spotting your local bumblebees. Every purchase helps support our vital work for bumblebees. 🐝💛 Shop our ID guides 🛒 Bumblebee in the spotlight 🔎 Bumblebee in flight approaching a purple flower with two sparkles The Tree bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) is one of the 'Big Eight' common and widespread bumblebees. Let's take a closer look. The Tree bumblebee Bee the change - where actions begin! Illustration of a hand and seedball with resource in background on green background Creating seed balls is an enjoyable activity for all ages, whether you’re planting just a few or many in your outdoor space. Growing seeds in your garden helps provide essential food for bumblebees and other key pollinators. By planting these seed balls in bare soil it will add a splash of colour to your space! Download resource Snapshot of the guide in a flower shape with yellow background Pretty bedding plants like begonias and busy lizzies may look great, but they offer bumblebees little to no food. Swap them for bumblebee‑friendly blooms with our handy planting list - perfect for community groups and home gardeners. Our guide also lists plants by flowering time, so you can keep bumblebees fed all year long. Download resource Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Registered Charity No: 1115634 / Scottish Charity No: SC042830. © 2026 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