The project will revolutionise volunteering for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust in Walsall, developing their first ever Bumblebee Volunteering Hub, home to many activities, events and training sessions.

The aims of the hub are to:

• create new urban habitats for bumblebees – installing bee feeders and increasing the number of flowering plants in areas across Walsall
• improve the wellbeing of volunteers and the communities they work with
• empower diverse audiences to care about and take action to protect bumblebees

Bee Inspired will show local people in Walsall and the West Midlands how simple actions in their gardens and communities can make a huge difference to both bumblebees and their local environment.

Dawn Ewing, Head of Fundraising and Engagement at the Bumblebee Conservation Trust

Saving the UK’s bumblebees

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust was established in 2006 due to serious concerns about the decline in the UK’s bumblebee population. They are one of many natural heritage organisations involved in finding solutions to increase the populations.

There are currently 24 species of bumblebee in the UK, representing about 10% of the world's bumblebee species. Over the past 100 years, two species have become extinct and many others have declined. This is primarily due to changes in the way the wider landscape is managed, as well as the reduced availability of wildflowers.

Bee Inspired seeks to change that.

Dawn Ewing, Head of Fundraising and Engagement at the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, said: "Bee Inspired will show local people in Walsall and the West Midlands how simple actions in their gardens and communities can make a huge difference to both bumblebees and their local environment. The project will work closely with local partners and volunteers to ensure our bumblebee message reaches a variety of audiences, especially those who have yet to discover a love of nature."