110 Bee Species Found at One UK Garden Baffles Scientists

Scientists at Wakehurst botanical gardens just uncovered something remarkable: their property hosts 110 different bee species, more than the entire island of Ireland.

The discovery came from a five-year research program called Nature Unlocked, which launched in 2021 to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. Between March 2023 and October 2025, researchers monitored and identified over 2,100 insects, including bees, moths, and hoverflies across the West Sussex site.

The findings revealed something unexpected about where pollinators thrive. While most pollinator research focuses on wildflower meadows, Wakehurst scientists discovered that trees play a critical role. They provide pollen and nectar earlier in the season when bees need it most.

Janine Griffiths-Lee, the pollination research lead, says the team is using pioneering techniques that shift attention from meadows to trees. This fresh approach is already making waves beyond the garden walls.

Housing developers and landscape architects now consult with Wakehurst scientists to learn which pollinator-friendly plants work best in urban areas. The research is helping transform concrete jungles into bee havens, giving struggling populations safe spaces in unexpected places.

The scientists aren't stopping at basic observation. Last year, they installed bioacoustics monitors on trees to track pollinating insects by listening to their buzz. They also studied how bumblebees change their foraging habits during heatwaves, critical information as temperatures rise globally.

The latest phase includes 28 cameras equipped with artificial intelligence to monitor bees and moths foraging at night. Researchers can now watch pollinator behavior around the clock, gathering data that was previously impossible to collect.

The Ripple Effect

The discoveries at Wakehurst arrive at a crucial moment. Bee populations have declined globally, threatening food security and biodiversity worldwide. These pollinators are essential for sustaining the plants that feed both wildlife and people.

The new Wakehurst Ecosystem Observatory opens doors for both professional scientists and citizen scientists to study different habitats including woodlands, meadows, and gardens. Phil Wilkes, the lead researcher of Nature Unlocked, says the project helps researchers understand how ecosystems work, respond to change, and support both wildlife and people.

The research proves that even in a world facing environmental challenges, solutions bloom in unexpected places. One garden's commitment to understanding nature is creating blueprints that could help pollinators thrive everywhere from city parks to suburban backyards.

Those 110 bee species humming through Wakehurst are messengers of hope, showing that when we listen closely to nature, she teaches us exactly how to help.