About the event

A beginner’s guide to identifying UK bees, including: a theory session, a look at practical ways we can support bees using our Langdon site car park, and a walk through our Langdon Willow Park reserve for catching and examining specimens.

We will begin indoors for theory, take a walk around Langdon car park to look at bee hotels and refuges, and then stop for lunch. We will then drive and meet up at our local reserve, Willow Park, to walk around the wildflower meadows and look for bees.

Car sharing is advised if you are attending the course as a group. Please note this event will include walking up to three miles around the Nature Reserve and you will need to provide your own lunch, although it can be purchased in the centre cafe.

A skilled staff member will point out all the bees that are encountered during the day, catching wherever possible to get a closer look for identification.

By the end of the course we hope you will have learnt how to identify common bee species spotted across Essex, and how to support them in your garden or local green space.

Meet outside Langdon Nature Discovery Centre for a prompt start at 10am.

Transportation via car is essential as we will be driving from one site to another partway through the course - location details to be provided on booking. Ensure you bring lunch, a water bottle, and your own ID guides or books if you have them. We will have a range of ID guides and books to borrow on the day.

Please dress appropriately, walking boots and sunscreen are recommended. Please advise the course runner if you have a bee sting allergy, as this course involves working with live wild bees. This event is only available to adults (Age 18+)

Please read booking terms and conditions here:

Terms and Conditions