Beehouse workshop tomorrow

Last week I had organised a beehouse making workshop with Woodcraft Elfins - photos coming soon - however Tuesday this week from 3pm to 6pm at the shop in Kendrick Street there will be a chance for adults and children to make more.

Bee houses is one thing - it is also World Habitat day today which focuses on peoples homes - see blog post earlier today.

Anyhow as part of the '350 Day of International Climate Action' on October 24 the Stroud-based Global Bee Project are seeking volunteers to help reach a target of 350 beehouses. We have now completed 183 houses - here is what we said in our news release:

Jessie Jowers of The Global Bee Project said: "Scientists say that 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity. We've reached 386 parts per million and have to get back to 350. We are hoping that people in Stroud will put up 350 bee houses. Bees are at the base of the food chain and pollinate the plants that absorb C02 from the atmosphere."

The Global Bee Project will be offering workshops to help both children and adults make beehouses at their temporary shop in Kendrick Street overlooking the Subscription Rooms in Stroud. Date confirmed is Tuesday 6th and hopefully also 13th and 20th October from 3pm to 6pm - call number below to confirm. Make a beehouse or a dozen (suggested donation £1 per house to cover materials).

See here how to make a beehouse.

Carlo Montesanti also of The Global Bee Project, added: "There are over 250 different species of bees: many of us have heard about the threats to the honeybees, but most bees are facing serious problems. Climate change, pesticide use and other factors such as loss of habitat meas that life is getting harder for bees. The beehouses can provide a habitat for non-aggressive solitary bees such as Red Mason bees or leafcutter bees."

Philip Booth, a local councillor and 'Bee Guardian' who has supported the project and organised beehouse making sessions locally with children, said: "Jessie and Carlo's passion and enthusiasm for this project is wonderful. I have already made several beehouses and was delighted to find ten of the holes filled within weeks by the amazing leafcutter bee. These bees cut neat holes in the leaves of my roses and then proceeded to cap the end of the holes in the beehouse. Making a beehouse is very easy and a simple step we can all take to support bees. These workshops are a great opportunity for more of us to build the houses and top that 350 target."

The Global Bee Project has been chosen as one of only four organisations to take part in a prestigious research exhibition to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the Royal Society in June next year. The Project will also be working with students at Stroud High School and Downfield Sixth Form on studying different types of houses. The results will then be considered by Dr Adam Hart, head of the bioscience department at the University of Gloucestershire to identify a design that could be sold commercially. Additionally The Project is involved with Stroud Town Council to develop their idea of Bee Guardian towns.

More about the project at: Global Bee Project on 07915055818 http://www.theglobalbeeproject.com
More about the 350 campaign at: http://www.350.org/about