Native Bees, Big Impact: Community Comes Together for Pollinators and Urban Biodiversity

TRLA recently hosted two inspiring back-to-back events with native bee educator Clancy Lester, better know as the Bee Man, highlighting the critical role of pollinators and the power of community-driven conservation.

Kicking off at Landcare Learning on Tuesday 17 March, Clancy captivated a crowd of over 50 attendees from across the region. His engaging presentation explored the fascinating world of native bees and their relationship with local plants, and how simple actions—like planting the right species or building bee hotels—can make a meaningful difference. Participants also learnt how to use the iNaturalist app to contribute to citizen science and better understand the species around them.

The following day, the focus shifted outdoors to Currawong Park for a Walk and Talk event led by Currawong Park Volunteers Chair Penny Milson. In an engaging interview-style discussion with The Bee Man and Dennis Kane, President of Tamworth Bird Watchers Inc. attendees explored how thoughtful planting of native trees, shrubs, and grasses can transform even small urban spaces into thriving habitats.

Currawong Park stands as a powerful local example. Over the past five years, the site has been progressively planted with native species, resulting in a tenfold increase in birdlife, with 31 native bird species now recorded. The park also features a frog pond and provides essential habitat for pollinators and other wildlife, contributing to the protection of species increasingly under pressure from habitat loss.

A highlight of the event was the involvement of local students, who built bee hotels with Clancy earlier in the day. These were installed throughout the park, creating immediate habitat for native bees and leaving a lasting legacy for the community.

Together, these events showcased how education, practical action, and community collaboration can deliver real environmental outcomes—demonstrating that whether on farms or in town, everyone has a role to play in supporting biodiversity.