The nation’s favourite pollinators are taking centre stage at Winterbourne this summer, as we celebrate the vital role that bees play in our ecosystem. With over 250 species of bees in the UK – from bumblebees and honeybees to mason bees and mining bees – they are vital to the health of our planet. However, in recent decades, the number of bees buzzing around the country has been declining rapidly.

That’s why we’re celebrating a Summer of Bees here this August. With activities for all ages, we’re determined to help educate our community on the importance of these beloved pollinators and what we can all do to help protect them.

Here’s a look at what you can look forward to here this summer, as we celebrate a Summer of Bees… 

Explore the garden with our new family trail

Families can explore the garden using our brand-new Flight of the Bumblebee Trail, exploring new plants as you go. You’ll discover the colours and smells that bees love so much and learn about how you can help to look after these vital creatures yourself at home.

Available Saturday 1 August – Sunday 13 September
Pick up a free self-guided trail from reception. Standard admission applies

Get creative at a drop-in family craft session

Make the most of your visit to Winterbourne and join our drop-in family craft sessions. Create your own bumblebee out of pipe cleaners, weave a flower basket out of colourful paper, and create a mini drinking station to take home for the pollinators and insects in your garden.

Our volunteers will be there to help you get crafty and learn about the importance of bees as you enjoy a day of family fun at Winterbourne.

Available Monday 3, Tuesday 11 and Thursday 27 August, 11am – 4pm (drop-in)
Tickets: £3 per child, plus normal admission fees (no pre-booking required)

Discover pollinator-friendly plants during weekly free garden tours

Join one of our volunteer tour guides on Wednesday mornings throughout August for a unique tour of the garden, discovering all the plants that bees and insects love. We’ll share what it is about Winterbourne’s garden that makes it such an exciting playground for bees, and you can even get some tips and tricks for how you can create your own pollinator-friendly patch at home.

Available Wednesday 5, Wednesday 12, Wednesday 19 and Wednesday 26 August, 11am – 12pm
Tickets: Sign up on the day. Capacity will be limited, and places will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Birmingham Honey Show

Join us for the grand finale, the Birmingham Honey Show, which is the city’s biggest celebration of all-things honey, hosted in partnership with Birmingham and District Beekeepers Association! With free admission to Winterbourne all weekend, you can experience live hive demonstrations, browse the competition tent, buy local honey from expert beekeepers, and enjoy family activities for all ages, all set within our buzzing botanic garden.

Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September
Tickets: Free entry, no pre-booking required

There’s never been a better time to discover more about bees at Winterbourne. Whether you’re exploring the garden on our family trail, getting creative at a craft session or experiencing the buzz of the Birmingham Honey Show, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Together, we can celebrate these remarkable pollinators and take small steps to help them thrive for generations to come.