Where are some of the top spots to discover bees in the UK, particularly in and around London but within an hour’s travel? I understand that bees tend to thrive in rural areas outside of urban settings. As a student of bee biology keen to learn more about the native bumblebees of the UK, I’ll be visiting in late May.
Can anyone recommend any gardens, nature reserves, or flower-rich locations that are buzzing with bees?
That sounds like a fantastic opportunity to study bees! Late May is a great time to find lots of activity among bumblebees and other pollinators. Here are some excellent places in and around London where you’re likely to spot plenty of bees:
Kew Gardens: This iconic botanical garden in Richmond is a haven for various plant species and attracts a diverse array of pollinators. The different habitats within Kew, from the orchid collection to the water lily house, draw in many bees.
Hampstead Heath: This large park features wildflower areas, meadows, and woodlands. Spotting bumblebees here, especially near wildflowers, is quite common. The mix of habitats provides a rich environment for many bee species.
Garden Museum: Located in Lambeth, this museum features a beautiful garden and often has events related to gardening and nature. It can be a nice spot to observe bees visiting flowers in a more urban setting.
Richmond Park: This expansive park has wildflower areas and open spaces where bees can be found in good numbers. The variety of native flora makes it a great spot for bee-watching.
Wandle Meadow Nature Park: Located in south London, this nature reserve has wildflower meadows and is a great place to see bees and other pollinators enjoying the diverse flora.
Regent’s Park: With its extensive gardens, Regent’s Park is another urban area where you can observe bees. Look for the rose gardens and other flower beds that attract them.
RHS Garden Wisley: A little further out, but well worth the visit, this beautiful garden has a wide variety of plants and attracts many bumblebees, especially during spring and early summer.
Epping Forest: Slightly outside of London, this ancient forest has plenty of wildflower areas and meadows. It’s a fantastic place to discover various bumblebee species in their natural habitats.
Walthamstow Wetlands: This vast wetland reserve has diverse flora and habitats that support various bee species, especially in the flower-filled areas.
Make sure to bring your notebook or camera to document what you see. Happy bee-hunting!