How can we help people discover the diversity of wild bees and understand why they need our support? At De Gavers Uitgepluisd, PolliConnect showed that learning can begin with something as simple as a colouring sheet.
The event welcomed around 1,000 visitors, mainly families with children. At the PolliConnect stand, young visitors were invited to colour one of four wild bee species. The competition attracted no fewer than 77 entries.
Learning through curiosity
West Flanders is home to around 230 species of wild bees. By focusing on four of these species, we encouraged children to take a closer look at their different characteristics.
Which bee has the most hair? Which one has the longest legs or the most attractive stripes? And do you know the favourite flower of the Dandelion Mining Bee?
Some children tried to reproduce the bees as realistically as possible, using photographs of West Flemish flagship species for inspiration. Others gave their imagination free rein. As they compared the bees, they discovered that every species has its own appearance and characteristics.
This sense of curiosity is exactly what PolliConnect aims to encourage. By helping people observe nature more closely, we can build a better understanding of pollinators and the essential role they play in healthy ecosystems.
There is more than one kind of bee
The adults were given a challenge of their own: saying the Dutch species name “heuphaakroetbij” ten times in a row. The tongue twister caused plenty of laughter, but also conveyed an important message: the honeybee is only one of many different bee species.
Both children and adults were surprised to learn how many wild bee species occur in West Flanders. They studied the photographs, compared the different species and searched for bees they recognised from their own gardens and neighbourhoods.
Turning awareness into action
While the children were colouring, the PolliConnect team spoke with parents and other visitors about our work to create better-connected, pollinator-friendly landscapes. We also shared information about Pollinate and the wider West Flanders pollinator action plan.
These conversations showed how a playful activity can open the door to broader discussions about biodiversity and practical action. One visitor will now receive further advice on the pollinator-friendly development of a 4,000 m² site. This is a concrete result that may create valuable new habitat for pollinators.
De Gavers Uitgepluisd was a wonderful opportunity for PolliConnect to combine nature experiences, education and engagement. By starting with curiosity and wonder, we can help people recognise the diversity of wild pollinators, understand their importance and feel inspired to take action themselves.
