ANIMAL FACT FILE: Garden bumble bee

The Garden Bumblebee Fact File introduces readers to the biology and importance of one of the UK’s most vital pollinators: the garden bumblebee (Bombus hortorum). The fact file provides key information about the species’ habitat (including grasslands, woodlands, and gardens), diet (nectar and pollen), and lifecycle, as well as fascinating statistics such as its short 28-day lifespan and the global significance of bee pollination to crops. Children will learn how to identify this species and when to spot it, with active months between March and October.
The resource also highlights the environmental role of bumblebees, explaining that up to 80% of the world’s crop species rely on bee pollination. It encourages learners to take simple but effective conservation action by planting wildflowers to support local bumblebee populations. With cross-curricular links to science, geography, and citizenship, this fact file supports both knowledge building and eco-awareness in young learners.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify the physical characteristics and lifecycle of the garden bumblebee

• Understand the species’ habitat and feeding habits

• Recognise the ecological importance of bees in global food production

• Learn how to support pollinators through wildlife gardening

Curriculum Links:

• Science: Pollination, life cycles, adaptation, food chains

• Geography: Human impact on ecosystems, UK habitats

• Citizenship: Taking action to support biodiversity

• Design & Technology: Planning wildlife gardens to support pollinators