We had a fantastic afternoon at our Downton Quarry last week with The Bumblebee Conservation Trust and young students from Milford-on-Sea C of E Primary School and South Baddesley C of E Primary School.

The children were split into two groups, led by Gill and Helen from The Bumblebee Conservation Trust, where they took part in a Bumblebee Safari around the lakes. We didn’t manage to get up close to any but saw lots in flight!

They then took part in a workshop, where they learnt about the importance of bumblebees, where they live, what they look like, how they eat, and even provide our food! They did some fun activities to understand the lifecycle, hibernation and the various types of bumblebees followed by some beautiful colouring!

The students went home having learnt so much about bumblebees and with some fun keepsakes.

We are proud to work with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, not only in improving our restoration to attract more pollinators but in helping to educate the local community and younger generation about the importance of bumblebees and the great work they do.

Gill Perkins, CEO, Bumblebee Conservation Trust said “Delivering bumblebee sessions at NMSB Downton Quarry with the students from South Baddesley and Milford schools was a fantastic experience. The students soaked up the information and were incredibly enthusiastic about learning more about these special creatures. The teachers and staff from NMSB seemed equally inspired and they expressed their aspiration to learn and do more for bumblebees in the future. I look forward to working with NMSB on their Orchard project in the Autumn, and with the schools in the future.”