The species, rarely seen in the wild, is expected to make an appearance at Buzzy Bee events this August, organised by the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust’s Wild Green Places Project.

Parents should not be alarmed as this species of bumblebee has been confirmed by local wildlife experts to be a harmless stingless variety.

The bumblebee costumes will feature at the roadshow of bee events is part of the Tees Valley Wild Green Places Project which is funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).  The events include bee walks, mini-beast safaris, honey tasting and an opportunity to make  bee homes for the garden. There will also be busy bee arts and crafts for children, puzzles and games.

Sue Antrobus, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, said: “Bees are facing huge problems in the countryside. These events are a fun way for people of all ages to find out more about these fascinating insects and how make their gardens havens for these charismatic insects.”

For more information on Buzzy Bees events visit the Tees Valley Green Places Facebook page or check out the TV Green pPaces website.

Notes to editors

About the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust

The Tees Valley Wildlife Trust is part of the influential UK-wide partnership of 47 Wildlife Trusts. The Trust has worked for more than 30 years to protect wildlife and wild places, and educate, influence and empower people. We manage 14 Nature Reserves and help others to manage their countryside sites. Our work is helping to secure the future of many important habitats and species, which might otherwise be lost. www.teeswildlife.org

Further information

Susan Antrobus or Paul Bamber, at Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, on tel: 01287 636382 or via email: santrobus@teeswildlife.org