Gardens and allotments are increasingly important habitats where insects can find nectar and pollen. There has been a dramatic decline in bee and pollinator populations in recent years. Yet it has been estimated that the value of insect-pollinated fruits and vegetables grown in the UK is about £220 million a year.

This Festival aims to highlight the maintenance of healthy ecosystems and the importance of bees and other pollinators for food production. This year’s theme focuses on vegetable growing and Bristol City Council Allotments Team will show a host of ideas for improving your efforts with their garden displays. The Avon Bee Keeping Association will stage their annual Bristol Honey Festival, with displays of honey and bee products. A live hive will give visitors an insight into the workings of the honey-bee along with talks and displays on the importance and pleasure of keeping bees.

A host of other exhibitors will include sculpture, local cider apple producers and beer tastings. Local nurseries will be selling a wide range of plants aimed at providing nectar for bees and habitats for wildlife.

Important information

This event runs from Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, 10 am - 5 pm.

Tickets: £3.50 Adults, Friends, University staff, students and children under 16 free.

Full details on the Botanic Gardens website.