Come along on our free trail and find out which of our native Bees has horns; which lives alone in the ground or loves to cut patterns out of leaves.

In proud partnership with Broxtowe Borough Council and supported by UK Government Shared Prosperity Funding, we’re thrilled to launch the Beeston Bee Trail – a vibrant, interactive experience celebrating bees, biodiversity, and Beeston’s unique community spirit. Starting this autumn, the trail invites families, nature lovers, and curious explorers to find and a series of native* bee markers across Beeston town centre. Each stop offers a glimpse into the vital role bees play in our ecosystem, with creative touches and surprises along the way.

The Heart of the Hive

The trail’s central hub is The Plane Tree, a welcoming community space and local favourite that will serve as the starting point, leaflet stockist, and gathering area for trail-goers. 

Follow the trail map and look out for six native bee species on beautifully illustrated panels hidden around Beeston. From the bright Red Mason Bee to the bold Buff-tailed Bumblebee, each has its own story to tell. Keep your eyes peeled – can you find all six of them? Collect a stamp as you go, supporting our local independent shops.

Bee a a prizewinner…

The first 100 participants to complete the trail will receive a set of limited edition coasters, crafted by Lee at Coasteroo, Kimberley. To find out more, and claim your prize, pop into The Plane Tree.

Look up and around to see other Bee features around Beeston – and tell us about bonus bee finds you spot for yourself! Where will you find the next one…? #BEESTONISBUZZING

There’s always a buzz in Beeston! But bees need our help to keep buzzing. Our Trail features six of our native* bee species, all with their own tail to tell…

Bee in the know…

Bumblebees are very social bees. They live in colonies – but smaller ones than honey bees. Bumblebees are great pollinators – because they are so hairy, and because they visit a wide range of plants and flowers.

Of the 270 species in the UK, 250 are Solitary bees and they make up the largest percentage of the bee population. They tend to gather pollen and nectar from a narrow range of preferred plants.

Honey bees are incredibly clean – they poop outside the hive. When out foraging, workers can fly up to 20 mph, by beating their wings up to 200 times per second – making that famous buzz! Though not technically ‘native’, they are naturalised in the UK – and an important part of our ecosystem and food production.

Bee a helper…

Bees are a vital part of our ecosystem. They pollinate our food and help create the air we breathe. Here are three top tips on how to Bee a Helper:

• DON’T use pesticides – if you only do one thing, do this.
• Include native plants in your garden – bees love them!
• Let a small area of your garden go unweeded, and grow a patch of your grass long – for flowers and safe nesting areas.