🌼 Interested in pollinators? Curious about citizen science?
Join us for a free Volunteer Taster Session on The Ridgeway to learn how to identify common bumblebee species and take part in a guided BeeWalk survey!

🗓 Date & Time: Wednesday 28 May, meeting at 1pm.
📍 Location: We will meet on Bazalgette Way, behind the Thamesmead Social Cafe, marked on the map – SE2 9AN, What3Words:///opens.stem.daisy.
The meeting point is an 18 minute walk from Abbeywood Train Station or 7 minute walk from Southmere Lake Bus Station (buses 224, 229, 301, 472).
There are toilets and opportunity to buy food and drinks at the cafe.

👣 Distance: The BeeWalk is 1–2 km along The Ridgeway, we will be walking at a gentle pace and expect to finish by 3pm.
🌿 Suitability: No prior knowledge needed – ideal for beginners, nature lovers, and those curious about volunteering with bumblebees!

What to Expect:

Introduction to bumblebees and why they matter
Tips and tricks for identifying common species
Learn how to safely catch and pot bumblebees
A guided BeeWalk following a standard survey route
Opportunity to ask questions and learn about ongoing volunteer opportunities

We will record the location, date, start and end times for each transect, the weather conditions (temperature, wind speed, cloud cover), bumblebees to species and caste (queen, worker, male), the flowers they are feeding on, as well as any honeybees.

What to Bring:

Outdoor clothing suitable for the weather
Sturdy footwear (some uneven terrain)
Water/snacks
(Optional) You could bring pen and paper for recording and making notes (if not doing digitally) and any nets, pots, hand lenses, and ID books if you have them to use on the day. We will also provide all necessary equipment.

Booking Info:

This session is free, but booking is essential as places are limited.

📩 For questions, contact: scarlett.weston@bumblebeeconservation.org.
If you can no longer make the BeeWalk, then please contact Scarlett.
🧠 Hosted by: Bumblebee Conservation Trust

We are looking forward to seeing you all there!

🐝 About the Project

As part of Buzzing in the East End (B.E.E.) – southeast London, we are conducting monthly BeeWalks (from March to October) on our flagship sites across southeast London to search for rare species, including the Brown-banded carder and the Shrill carder.

If you're interested in learning how to identify bumblebee species and becoming an active BeeWalker, we’d love to have your help!

Volunteer Taster Session: Bumblebee ID & BeeWalk Survey on The Ridgeway