Bees In Common
There has been a dramatic decline in bees and other pollinating insects over the last 40 years due to habitat loss, pesticide use, invasive species, and climate disruption. This has led to a reduction in the diversity of plant and animal species to be found in many parts of the UK. We Create are in the early stages of a project to help transform a small plot of public land at the foot of the Honeybourne Line embankment to create an optimal habitat for pollinators. Local beekeeper Nathan Wylam is managing a couple of beehives on the site and we are working with him to increase the diversity of forage over time.
Neither the site nor the pollinators are resources to exploit - we hope to make a positive contribution towards repairing the relationship between nature and people, and Bees In Common joins other projects that are looking to secure and improve the well-being of insects and their habitats worldwide.
We’re opening up the site on World Bee Day, Tuesday 20 May, 2pm-5pm, so whether you’d like to hear more about the project or to help us reimagine the site, or would like to learn about beekeeping, we would love to hear your thoughts. Please drop by or get in touch.
Find us with what3words tune.punchy.last or look out for the gate by the road bridge between Folly Lane and the Honeybourne Line entrance on St Paul’s Road (opposite Carlton Place).
Our exhibition Bees In Common opens at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, Cheltenham, on Saturday 15 March and runs until Sunday 1 June 2025. Read more at http://www.cheltenhammuseum.org.uk/event/bees-in-common/
During the exhibition there are many opportunities to take part in workshops. Email hello@we-create.org.uk if you would like to sign up to the upcoming activities that take place at or from The Wilson:
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Weds 30 April 6-8pm: An introduction to storytelling through film with Paul Zinder. Filmmaker Paul Zinder, who directed the film Honey re-Bourne in the Bees In Common exhibition, will discuss the elements that go into constructing a film narrative. He will introduce you to film styles, the three-act structure, and how to build a successful character, with examples from his own and other films.
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Saturday 17 May 2-4pm: Art Walk on the Honeybourne Line with Sarah Goddard.
Cheltenham-based artist Sarah Goddard will lead a walk starting at The Wilson and taking in the site of the beehives on St Paul’s Road and a section of the Honeybourne Line. We will stop along the way to sketch, taking inspiration from nature and some of the plants that are visited by pollinators. All materials will be provided. We will be outside and walking/pausing for two hours so please dress for the season. The session will be cancelled if rain or high winds are forecast for the day and you will be informed by email.
