FROM BUMBLEBEE CONSERVATION TRUST—WE CAN ALL HELP THESE BEES

view online Bumblebee Conservation Trust logo Bumblebee on willow branch with yellow flower and blue sky It may be October, but with the fine weather, there is still so much we can do for bumblebees! We have some top tips on how to provide hibernation spots for new queens, plus bumblebees 'bank' a big win this month. And, as October marks the last month to submit your BeeWalk data this year, now is a good time to get those records in!🍂 Rare bumblebee found at historic London site All black bumblebee on a purple and lilac flower The scarce Ruderal bumblebee (Bombus ruderatus) has been discovered at Lesnes Abbey Woods in Southeast London! Famous for its 12th century abbey ruins and rich ancient woodland, the discovery was made by local volunteer Jason Lok. This sighting in the Buzzing in the East End (B.E.E) project area shows just how important urban green spaces can be for wildlife. Read the full news story 📰 It's official: bumblebees are 'noteworthy'! Graphic mock up of bank notes with bumblebee graphic and text saying 'Bumblebees bank a big win' Last week, the Buff-tailed bumblebee was chosen to feature on the new Bank of England banknotes and received the most public votes! From a shortlist of 18 UK wildlife species, the Buff-tailed bumblebee attracted an unbelievable 360,399 votes. A big thank you to everyone who voted for this iconic insect. Why not find out more about the Buff-tailed bumblebee 👇 The Buff-tailed bumblebee 🐝 Create a safe place for hibernating bumblebees Bumblebee walking over leaf and grass debris In autumn, new bumblebee queens search for places to hibernate while the rest of the colony comes to a natural end. New bumblebee queens are looking for a safe place to spend the winter. Leaving areas of soil, leaf litter, long grass and logs undisturbed can provide valuable hibernation spots. Autumn/winter guide 🍂 iam McArthur, MSP surveying for bumblebees in Orkney How will we know if nature is recovering? A new Scottish parliamentary motion, lodged by Great Yellow bumblebee Champion Liam McArthur MSP, has highlighted the important role the Trust's BeeWalk volunteers play in monitoring biodiversity and nature's recovery. Full story 📰 Two people with clipboard and pen walking through field Have you completed your October BeeWalk? BeeWalk is the Trust's national recording scheme. Submitting your October data promptly makes sure it can be included in the latest BeeWalk picture and helps the Trust guide conservation work where it is needed. Submit data 🖊️ Bee inspired with some pumpkin magic 🎃 Person with jumper showing pumpkins and a mug with foliage in background Bumblebee season may be drawing to a close, but there are still plenty of ways to support the UK’s bumblebees this autumn, including purchasing one of our bee-rilliant pumpkin-inspired designs. Add a little spice and all things nice to the season by browsing our new range. Every purchase helps to support vital conservation work all year round! Shop autumn designs 🛒 Photo credits: TMB Photography, Nick Owens and Teresa Farr. 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