[Learn from nature & ancestral wisdom] Solitary bees: The lesser-known pollinators

What if some of the most important pollinators on our planet are the ones we’ve barely noticed?

Theme: Learn from nature & ancestral wisdom

Topic: Science, nature & biodiversity

Language: English

In this episode, Conach Gibson, PhD researcher with the EuroBorderWalks project, takes us into the hidden world of solitary bees in Ireland. With around 80 species living independently across the country, these remarkable pollinators reveal a side of nature that’s both intricate and essential. From ground-nesting mining bees to cavity-nesting species, Conach shares what makes them so unique, why their survival is crucial, and how each of us can help protect them—even from our own backyard.

You’ll learn:

• The surprising diversity and behavior of Ireland’s solitary bees

• Why these independent pollinators are vital for healthy ecosystems

• Simple ways to support solitary bees and biodiversity in your local area

Key Quotes:

"If the plants they rely on disappear because of climate change, then those bees won’t make it either."

"Together, we can make the world a better place, one small step at a time."

Host Bio: 

Conach Gibson, PhD Student, EUROBORDERWALKS Project

Conach Gibson is a PhD student at University College Cork, whose research is part of the EUROBORDERWALKS project. This interdisciplinary and interinstitutional European research project uses biographical, ethnographic, and arts-based methods to explore the complexities of shifting and im/mobile borders, as well as the lived experiences of those affected by them. Through her work with beekeepers, Conach has developed a profound appreciation for bees, nurturing a deep sense of care for their well-being and cultivating a more mindful relationship with nature. She hopes her work will raise awareness about the vital role bees play in ecosystems and encourage collective action against climate change.

Additional Resources:

If you’d like to dive deeper into the ideas shared in this episode, here are some of the wonderful sources Conach quoted and referenced throughout:

• National Biodiversity Data Centre – Solitary Bees: https://pollinators.ie/record-pollinators/bees/solitary-bees/ 

• National Museum of Ireland – Tawny Mining Bee: https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collections-Research/Collection/Irish-bee-species/Artefact/Tawny-mining-bee/aa927c2d-1684-4dc4-afa4-ec925ecddd8e 

• National Biodiversity Data Centre – Solitary Bees: A New Free Poster: https://pollinators.ie/solitary-bees-a-new-free-poster/ 

• World Bee Project – Solitary Bees: Their Crucial Pollination Role and Diverse Habitats: https://worldbeeproject.org/2023/11/15/solitary-bees-their-crucial-pollination-role-and-diverse-habitats/#:~:text=Overall%2C%20solitary%20bees%20play%20a,healthy%20and%20productive%20plant%20communities 

• National Biodiversity Data Centre – How-To Guide: Creating Wild Pollinator Nesting Habitat: https://pollinators.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Pollinator-Nesting-How-to-Guide-2022-WEB.pdf 

These works and resources provided essential information for this episode and continue to inspire Conach’s journey into the lifeworld of solitary bees. She encourages you to explore them further—they're full of insight and practical guidance.