Helping bees and insects in our very own gardens and parks is probably the most widespread and easy opportunity that we have to make a difference. The Cross Pollination Project brings together scientists, gardeners, artists, and communities in Tunbridge Wells so we can grow seeds of knowledge into action.

With help from local communities and schools combined with expert knowledge from Sussex University we will be creating 6 public demonstration gardens loaded with pollinator friendly plants. These gardens will raise awareness of appropriate bee-friendly gardening and offer a citizen science opportunity as local volunteers and students will use them to collect important data.

This Heritage Lottery Funded project will also offer fantastic opportunities to get involved and learn new skills as annual talks, training and workshops will be available to the wider community.

The project is managed by the Kent High Weald Partnership, working in partnership with the University of Sussex’s Laboratory for Apiculture and Social Insects, Tunbridge Wells in Bloom, local artists and beekeeper Ellen Montelius and Lizzy Clayman, and other local organisations.

Update 2021

The Cross Pollination Project was kindly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund from 2016 to 2020.  Much of the project is now complete, but we hope to continue this important work and carry on expanding and maintaining the establishment of pollinator friendly gardens and green spaces. If you would like to get involved or would like advice on how to make your growing space more wildlife friendly, please get in touch with KHWP.