Big, round, and adorably fluffy, is there a more charming visitor to our gardens than the bumble bee? We don’t think so!

Sadly, these incredible and vitally important pollinators are in trouble. 2024 was the worst year for British bumble bee populations since records began, with many species facing growing pressures from habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.

Grab a drink and join us as we explore the fascinating world of bumble bees. From their remarkable adaptations and surprising cultural impact to the threats putting them at risk.

We also highlight the crucial work being done to protect them and share simple ways that each of us can help our bumble bees thrive, right in our own gardens and communities. And of course, we tackle the big question: do they really defy the laws of physics when they fly?

We had a great time recording this episode, we hope you enjoy it.

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Links

The UK's bumblebees are in crisis - Bumblebee Conservation Trust

The national monitoring BeeWalk scheme - Bumblebee Conservation Trust

UK bumblebee numbers fell to record low in 2024 - Agriland.co.uk

Multiple habitats need protecting to save UK bumblebees, finds 10-year citizen science study - BES

Genus-Wide Characterization of Bumblebee Genomes Provides Insights into Their Evolution and Variation in Ecological and Behavioral Traits | Molecular Biology and Evolution | Oxford Academic