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BumblebeeConservationTrust

Chelsea Flower Show Business Supporter

Supporting the Bumblebee Conservation Trust

At Flying Flowers, we were proud to announce our support for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. As avid advocates for environmental conservation, we were thrilled to collaborate with the Trust to raise awareness for bumblebee conservation. Together, we created a buzz at Chelsea Flower Show and beyond, highlighting the importance of protecting these vital pollinators.

About Bumblebee Conservation Trust

Bumblebee
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust was established in 2006 because of serious concerns about the ‘plight of the bumblebee’. The Trust has become an influential science and evidence-based conservation charity, leading on key projects and working with partner organisations across the UK delivering high quality science, conservation and outreach.
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The Bumblebee Conservation Trusts 'Diversity is Queen' Exhibit

The ‘Diversity is Queen’ exhibit increased understanding of the value of diversity in nature, through bumblebees. Split into four zones—garden, machair, moorland, and species-rich grasslands—their exhibit showcased a variety of bumblebee-friendly habitats that supported some of our most common and scarcest species.

Wildflower meadow & grassland

Moorlands, often featuring heather and bilberry, provide a habitat for the scarce Bilberry bumblebee. Low-lying coastal grassland, found along the shores of northern Scotland, provide a vital refuge for the Yellow Bumblebee. In the heart of ancient woodlands, where dappled sunlight filters through the canopy of oak and beech trees, the Tree Bumblebee finds its sanctuary. These varied habitats highlight the importance of conservation efforts to protect the environments crucial for bumblebee survival.

Thyme lawn

A thyme lawn not only adds aromatic charm to a garden but also serves as a nesting site for bumblebees. Its dense, low-growing foliage offers shelter and protection for these important pollinators, providing a safe haven for them to establish their colonies. The delicate purple blooms of thyme, rich in nectar, attract bumblebees seeking food, making it a mutually beneficial relationship. Incorporating a thyme lawn into landscaping not only enhances the beauty of outdoor spaces but also contributes to the conservation of bumblebee populations.

Greenhouse featuring tomatoes

In the UK, bumblebees played a crucial role in pollinating tomatoes, making them essential for tomato production. Without bumblebees, the process of pollination for tomatoes would have been compromised, potentially leading to reduced yields. The Bumblebee Conservation Trust had a sign that explained how bumblebees uniquely performed buzz pollination. Bumblebees are able to clamp down on the anther and vibrate their flight muscles at the exact frequency require to create a bee-covering explosion of pollen grains from the tip of the anther.

Garden with a 'diversity of flowers'

Maintaining a garden with a diversity of flowers is crucial for providing a habitat for bumblebees throughout the year. By planting a variety of flowering plants that bloom at different times, gardeners can ensure a continuous source of nectar and pollen, supporting bumblebee populations from early spring to late autumn. Early-flowering bulbs like crocuses and snowdrops provide essential food for bumblebees emerging from hibernation, while summer favorites such as lavender, foxgloves, and roses sustain them during the peak of the season.

Bumblebee-Friendly Flowers

Not all flowers are equally bumblebee-friendly, so it's essential to carefully select plants that are particularly attractive to these important pollinators. When browsing at the garden center, paying attention to the flowers that bumblebees are actively foraging on can guide gardeners in making bumblebee-friendly choices. For instance, Andy from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, loves cosmos. With its vibrant and abundant blooms, is a prime example of a flower that bumblebees adore. Its open, daisy-like blossoms provide easy access to nectar and pollen, making it a favorite feeding spot for these fuzzy insects.

Why are bees important?

Never overlook the significance of bees, our fuzzy friends are doing a good job in keeping us fed.

Nearly 75% of flowering plants rely on wildlife for pollination. Bees alone contribute to almost 80% of this pollination, meaning their work is vital for staples like potatoes, tomatoes, cotton - and even chocolate!

There are a remarkable 270 distinct bee species in the UK, comprising of one honeybee species, 24 types of bumblebees, and various solitary bees.

Without bees there would be no flowers, and a world without flowers is a world without bees. Together, with organisations such as the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, we are hoping to inspire and educate people to #beenoisy about saving the bees.