BRIDGWATER is buzzing over a family day organised by Avalon Marshes which will teach you everything you need to know about bees on Sunday June 22.

The conservation organisations of the Avalon Marshes nature reserves will be hosting activities and information all about the well-known honey makers.

Stalls, bee-themed children’s games, trails and activities will all be set out at Avalon Marshes Centre, Westhay, as well as a bee-friendly show garden designed by local school children and bee-friendly garden plants for sale.

Honeybees and bumblebees have suffered a dramatic decline in numbers since the 1950’s due to habitat loss, agricultural intensification and pesticide use. But the traditional wildflower meadows of Somerset and the Avalon Marshes reserves are still a stronghold for wild bee populations and are a haven for some of the rarer species, making the region the ‘bee’s knees’ for the insects to visit.

One of the UK’s rarest bumblebees, the Shrill Carder Bee, was rediscovered living on the Avalon Marshes last year.

Julie Merrett, Natural England Volunteer, said: “There is a lot people can do to help by supporting campaigns to help protect bees and by planting bee-friendly plants in their gardens.

“Bees are, of course, vitally important to us as they pollinate many of our food crops - so it is essential we take care of them. Our family day aims to help people become better informed, as well as being an enjoyable day out for all.”

The event starts at 10am until 3.30pm and the entry and activities are free with no bookings necessary.