A citizen science activity to get you buzzing

Residents across the region are being invited to take part in a new citizen science scheme called The North East Bee Hunt.

The Natural History Society of Northumbria (NHSN) is asking gardeners to record and report five distinctive bee species.

As pollinators, bees play an important role in the environment, yet many species find themselves at risk due to human actions.

To protect them, conservation and other organisations need to know as much as possible about their distribution.

Data from the Environmental Records Information Centre shows that bee species are under-recorded in the North East and for some, these bodies know surprisingly little about their distribution.

For the purpose of this study, the five target species are Red-tailed Bumblebee, Tree Bumblebee, Ashy Mining Bee, Red Mason Bee and Tawny Mining Bee.

These species are commonly encountered in gardens in both urban and rural areas.

NHSN director Clare Freeman said: “The North East Bee Hunt provides an opportunity for individuals and families at home to contribute to science, even while practising social distancing.

“Whether you intend to record in your garden or during your daily exercise, we’d love you to get involved. A daily dose of nature is important during difficult times such as these.”

For details and to take part in the scheme, go to www.nhsn.ncl.ac.uk/activities/the-north-east-bee-hunt