Visitors are welcome to learn about the important role pollinators play in our lives and learn about other pollinators you may find in your garden..

During the weekend there will be short lectures by researchers, conservationists, nature filmmakers and beekeepers. The keynote speaker is researcher Sam Macro Versteeg from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Bristol, who works with Dr Christoph Grueter, Associate Professor of Animal Behaviour and Ecology. Sam will talk about his work with honey bees and their response to the threat posed by Asian hornets.

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), a non-native wasp species, has caused significant damage to native insects, particularly bees, and to beekeeping in France, Spain and parts of Italy since its accidental introduction into Europe in 2004. Recent reports indicate sightings in the south-east and south-west of the UK. This talk provides an overview of the Asian hornet and its chemical ecology, and examines potential solutions found in nature and methods used by people in the hornet’s native areas to mitigate its impact.

Author and journalist Jean Vernon will lead a bee safari and talk on Saturday afternoon. Jean is an award-winning garden writer and winner of the Garden Media Guild’s Beth Chatto Environmental Award in 2020 for her articles on bees. Organizers are delighted that Jean will lend her expertise on bee identification to the bee safari and talk on Sunday.

Other speakers include:

• Monica Barlow from the charity Bees for Development will talk about how protecting bees and making beekeepers’ work economically viable can help preserve the natural habitat of some of the world’s poorest communities.
• Annabelle Lewis from the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency will talk about her work monitoring, tracking and eradicating Asian hornet populations in south-east England.
• Jill O’Regan from Bristol Beekeepers will give an illustrated talk on beekeeping in her talk ‘Getting Started with Bees’.

Nick Wray, curator of the Botanical Gardens, said: “The importance of insects as pollinators in maintaining healthy ecosystems and agricultural systems is well known. The alarming decline in insect populations affects us all and is the subject of groundbreaking research and changes in land management that are helping to improve habitat for all insects.

“This year’s Bee and Pollination Festival brings together science and research with a focus on the Asian Hornet and beekeepers to provide an inspiring event for everyone, along with exhibitions and live demonstrations, workshops and children’s trails. What’s good for pollinators is good for people’s wellbeing – flowers, interesting people to talk to, lots of plants and a beautiful garden – so come along and enjoy the festival!”

Bristol Beekeepers are organising their 94th annual Honey Festival. There will be demonstrations of the workings of a live beehive and live flight demonstrations. Two beekeepers in their white protective suits will take apart a hive and explain all aspects of the life and work of bees. There will also be displays of honey, wax and bee products and there will be the opportunity to sample and purchase many products.

Further highlights during the festival:

• Learn about the University of Bristol’s Cider Project and see apples from their historic orchard at Goldney Hall.
• Lectures on both days with experts from beekeeping and ecology
• Demonstrations of traditional basket making with Chris Park
• Willow weaving demonstrations by Maya Wolf, where visitors can try out some simple structures and take them home
• Jean Vernon, who contributes The Daily Telegraph and gardening magazines, will lead bee safari walks on Saturday afternoon and lectures on Sunday.

Other exhibitions include ‘Heart of BS13’, a community space in Hartcliffe to improve the environment and tackle food shortages; ‘Grow Wilder’ inspires people, communities and businesses to take a stand for wildlife; the Bumblebee Conservation Trust shows how it is working to protect 55 native species; the Avon Organic Group offers advice on growing food more sustainably; and students and researchers from the University’s School of Biological Sciences present some of their latest studies into insect behaviour and understanding the relationship between honey bees and the introduced Asian hornet.

The festival will feature nurseries offering expert advice from growers and selling bee-friendly gardening products and refreshments from Chandos Deli.

The Bee and Pollination Festival will take place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 August 2024 from 10am-5pm at The Holmes Botanic Garden, Stoke Park Road, Bristol, BS9 1JG. Entry: £10 (or £11 with a donation); free for under-18s, Friends of the Garden, alumni and ALL students, carers of visitors. University of Bristol staff and retired staff pay £5.

Further information

About the University of Bristol Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden has a strong focus on evolution, cultivating over 5,000 plant species in four core collections illustrating plant evolution, plants from the Mediterranean, crops (including Chinese and Western herb gardens), and rare and threatened native plants in the Bristol area.

Main attractions include an amazing valley illustrating the evolution of land plants, including dinosaurs’ favorite plants: ginkgos, cycads, tree ferns, araucarias and the Wollemi pine. Other attractions include greenhouses growing giant Amazon water lilies, tropical fruits and medicinal plants, orchids, cacti and a unique collection of sacred lotuses. A newly opened Guangzhou Garden, which won a gold medal and was awarded ‘Best in Show’ at the 2021 Chelsea Flower Show, has been rebuilt and will open to visitors in 2024.

Normal admission and opening hours

The Botanic Gardens are open from 10am-4.30pm until November. Admission outside of festivals is £9 (or £9.90 with Gift Aid), except on WEDNESDAY, DAISY day. Free entry for university graduates, carers of visitors, Friends of the Botanic Gardens, all students and children under 18. Staff and pensioners of the University of Bristol pay £5.

Dogs (except registered assistance dogs) are not permitted in the Botanical Garden.

The Botanic Gardens are accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. A designated path leads around the garden and greenhouses. Disabled toilets are available on site and a wheelchair is available on request from the Welcome Lodge. Pre-booked tours of the Botanic Gardens for groups of ten or more are available seven days a week. Please contact the Garden for more information. Outside festival days there is a guide fee of £12 per person.

Directions to the Botanical Garden

From the town centre, drive to the end of Whiteladies Road. At the junction and traffic lights, go straight on over Durdham Down to Stoke Bishop. At the traffic lights, go straight on and take the first right onto Stoke Park Road. The Botanical Gardens at The Holmes are 150 metres on the right.

Members of the public who would like to support the work of the Botanic Gardens should join the Friends of the Gardens. For more information contact the Friends of the Botanic Gardens or the Membership Secretary on [email protected].