Happy World Bee Day!
RSPB Sandwell Valley is a very important site for local bee populations in the West Midlands. There have been over 60 species records of aculeates (bees, wasps and ants) for the RSPB reserve, with the Bee Bank near the bird hide providing a home for around 46 different species of bee and wasp.
Gold tailed Melitta - Photo by Brian Baker
We have nationally scarce species like the Gold tailed Melitta (Mellita haemorhoidalis) and its kleptoparasite, the little Nomad bee Nomada flavoguttata . We even have a nationally rare species called the Yellow-shouldered Nomad bee, Nomada ferruginata which was found nesting in our bee bank.
Bee Bank at RSPB Sandwell - Photo by Aaron Bhambra
The nest boxes on the walls of the visitor centre are home to red and blue mason bees and our beautiful meadows provide a home for leafcutter bees in summer. The site may support lots of pollinator species because of its mixed urban and suburban location, and the fact that it has a staggering number of wildflowers that bloom in abundance all year long.
Leafcutter Bee - Photo by Aaron Bhambra
Clarkes Mining Bee - Photo by Andy Purcell
Ashy Mining Bee - Photo by Aaron Bhambra
I've been lucky enough to visit many sites to look for bees across the UK, but RSPB Sandwell Valley is my favourite of them all, partly because the staff and volunteers make it such a lovely place to visit, but also because for a little urban nature reserve, it has some of the most beautiful wildlife in the country.
- Aaron Bhambra, RSPB Sandwell Volunteer