INSECTS
I have always wanted to understand more about bees, and earlier this year I was lucky enough to go on a 'Bee Keeping Experience' morning at Stepney City Farm , where I learnt about 'The Hummmmmmble Honey Bee, And The Incredible Job They Do.' This wonderful morning educated me and my fellow bee-lievers on the life cycle of bee, bee colonies, and the queen bee and the job she does. We also learnt about life in and around the hive, including the bee's famous 'Waggle Dance', and the reasons bees tend to swarm. Finally, our teacher told us about honey; what it is and how it's made, then we even got to taste some! But best of all - as illustrated above - we went outside in special bee keeper suits, and actually met some bees, including an appearance by Megan, Queen of the Hive!. If you have ever been interested in finding out about bees, how these fascinating little creatures contribute so much to our environment and would like to meet them face to face, then a Bee Keeping experience might be for you. Failing that, check out some of these fabulous websites which are packed with fun and interesting facts about these incredible insects, and ways you and your friends can join the movement to protect our pollinators. Bee Friendly Trust , where you can learn how to help create habitats for honey bees and all pollinators to thrive. Bumblebee Conservation Trust , where you can learn how to make your space and garden more bumblebee friendly. British Beekeepers Association , where you can learn fun ways to make your school a Bee Friendly School.
Enchanted purple dragonflies
Facts about woodlice
Check out the wonderful Woodland Trust's fantastic Observatree campaign. It is a tree health early warning system and harnessing the power of citizen science is critical to the project’s overall success. This is being achieved in two ways. Firstly, the project aims to encourage tree health professionals and people actively involved with trees to look out for and report any tree pest or disease sightings at the earliest opportunity. In doing this, the chances of eliminating or controlling future outbreaks can be maximised. Secondly, the project has established a core network of over 200 trained Observatree volunteers. Their role is to support Government tree health officers and scientists by undertaking a range of survey work and assisting with the processing and verifying of tree health reports received. Observatree is: Promoting increased surveillance of tree pests and diseases Encouraging all reporting of tree health concerns via Tree Alert (TreeCheck in Northern Ireland) Providing a UK-wide network of over 200 trained specialist volunteers Sharing information and resources on key tree pests and diseases Researching similar European tree health systems to share best practice To find out more and download free toolkits to help you, visit our tree disease campaign. Visit the Observatree website to find out more or sign up for future updates.
