image source, Jacob Evans/BBC
Volunteers can take photos with their cell phones and send them to us.
People living near London are being urged to be wary of bumblebees when visiting the Royal Parks.
London has eight Royal Parks, each with different plant, animal and insect habitats.
These insects include bumblebees, and experts are concerned about the impact a mild February will have on our friends.
They want volunteers to keep an eye out for bumblebees as they walk through the park and take photos of them whenever possible.
Sleep, Queen Bees
image source, Michael Marsh/Stock Photo/Getty Images
Bumblebees are known for their fuzzy appearance
Queen bumblebees typically hibernate underground during the winter and re-emerge in the spring when the weather warms. During this time, the queen bee lays eggs and a new generation of bees begins.
A 2023 study found that bumblebees are waking up earlier than usual due to changing weather patterns due to climate change.
However, bees need to be able to wake up at about the same time the flowers begin to grow. That’s because bees feed on flowers.
Bees also help other plants grow in a process called pollination, in which they fly from flower to flower, carrying substances called pollen.
Why are bees so important?
Early rises in late spring can be dangerous for bees. February may be milder than usual, but that doesn’t mean we won’t experience winter weather again in the coming months.
be careful of bees
image source, Jorg Gruel
Bumblebees play an important role in London’s parks
Royal Parks, the charity that manages eight London parks, is asking people to record any bumblebees they spot in their parks.
They want people to take photos and register their finds. You can bring an adult to help take your photo and send it to the Royal Park.
If you don’t live near London, now might be a good time to start observing your local wildlife. Have you noticed any changes?