INTRODUCTORY QUESTIONS

1. What is the Bernie Bee Trail?

The Bernie Bee Trail is a fun, family-friendly nature trail designed for parks and green spaces. The Bernie Bee signs take visitors around the trail, stopping at each beautifully engraved bee hotel with an educational species sign and QR code. Families can explore at their own pace and learn about the solitary bees already living in their local area — all while supporting biodiversity and community engagement.

2. Who is Bernie Bee?

Bernie Bee is our cheerful guide who leads children (and adults!) through the trail. He appears on each sign, helping visitors discover different solitary bee species in a warm, memorable way — without feeling cartoonish. Bernie adds character and helps bring people together through shared nature learning.

3. What is Borough Bee?

Borough Bee creates nature-based educational trails for parks, schools, councils, housing developers, and other community green spaces. Our mission is to help organisations bring residents together through accessible biodiversity projects that strengthen community connection, conservation awareness and local pride. We provide press-release templates and launch resources so officers can easily promote the project to residents.

4. Who is the trail for?

The trail is designed for everyone:

  • families enjoying a day out
  • school groups (KS1, KS2 and KS3) learning about nature
  • residents exploring their local green spaces
  • visitors discovering the area
  • parks teams delivering visible biodiversity action

    And importantly — local solitary bees, many of which are under pressure due to habitat loss.

5. What does a trail include?

A complete trail comes with:

  • 5 wooden bee trail signs for children to discover as they explore the park.
    Each one is cleverly designed to double as a real solitary bee hotel.
  • 5 educational species signs that sit in front of every trail sign as an educational species sign, sharing fun facts and conservation info.
  • 1 introduction sign to start the trail
  • QR-linked pages for each bee (safety-checked and child-friendly)
  • Clear installation guidance
  • Ongoing support

  • Everything arrives ready to install.

6. How do the QR codes work?

Each bee sign has a QR code which opens a mobile page about that specific species.

  • No data collected
  • No adverts
  • No apps required
  • Just fun education about the different bee species and how we can all help.


The system is designed to be fast loading, simple for families, and hassle-free for councils.

Each QR page also has an audio option so the trail is inclusive for visually impaired, SEN, EAL, families and younger children

7. Why solitary bees?

Solitary bees are gentle, non-aggressive and ideal for public areas — and many species are declining due to habitat loss. They are incredibly effective pollinators and benefit directly from safe nesting spaces. They do not swarm, do not defend nests, and avoid confrontation, making them perfect ambassadors for community nature projects.

And they need our help!

8. How does the trail support our biodiversity or pollinator strategy?

The trail delivers a practical, visible action that aligns with:

  • Local Pollinator Action Plans
  • Biodiversity Net Gain
  • Nature recovery objectives
  • Community engagement aims

    It helps councils educate residents, support at-risk solitary bees, and create a shared conservation project that unites families, schools and the wider community.

9. How long does installation take and who installs it?

Installation is quick and straightforward.

Most councils ask a ranger, caretaker or ground staff member to install the signs.

  • No machinery
  • No specialist skills
  • Just a hole and post mix to secure the post
  • Fast and reversible installation

A full trail typically takes around two hours to install

10. Is it suitable for all park sizes and budgets?

Yes.

The trail works well in:

  • small parks
  • large destination parks
  • woodland paths
  • nature areas

Councils and green space owners can have one trail or several across multiple sites.

11. What makes this different from standard bee hotels?

Our trails bring together habitat creation, outdoor learning, conservation, and genuine community engagement.

They include:

  • engaging, park-friendly trail markers
  • robust and weather-resistant design
  • species-specific QR-linked content
  • curriculum-aligned learning for KS1–KS3
  • designed specifically for public parks

The trail quickly becomes a recognisable part of the park — something residents look for, talk about and share.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Is it safe for children?

Yes. Solitary bees are gentle and uninterested in people. They rarely sting and are ideal for family areas.

Do solitary bees sting?

Only if handled roughly — and even then, it is extremely uncommon.

Do the hotels attract wasps or swarms?

No. Solitary bees do not swarm, and the design does not attract wasps.

Are the materials safe outdoors?

Yes. Everything is weatherproof, non-toxic and suitable for long-term use.

Is it suitable for busy parks?

Yes. Solitary bees are gentle and comfortable in high-footfall areas.

MAINTENANCE & OFFICER WORKLOAD

How much maintenance is required?

Very little. Most councils treat the trail as “install and enjoy.”

Do staff need training?

No. The system is intuitive and simple for ground staff to set up and for park visitors to use.

Who manages the hotels after nesting season?

No one. The bee hotels take care of themselves with the bees natural life cycle

How long do signs and hotels last?

Several years. They are built for British weather.

What if something gets damaged?

Replacement parts are available quickly and at low cost.

ENVIRONMENTAL & BIODIVERSITY

Are we introducing non-native species?

No. The hotels support existing UK solitary bees already present locally.

Do bee hotels help pollinators?

Yes. They provide safe nesting sites and raise awareness about species under pressure.

Will it attract predators?

No more than the natural habitats already in the park.

Does this align with our biodiversity strategy?

Perfectly — it supports pollinator recovery and community conservation efforts.

Is it suitable for busy parks?

Yes. Solitary bees are gentle and comfortable in high-footfall areas.

COST, PROCUREMENT & BUDGET

What is the total cost?

The straightforward pricing shown with no hidden extras or ongoing subscriptions

Is it a one-off purchase?

Yes. You'll own the trail outright.

Can we purchase via PO or invoice?

Absolutely — councils and parks do this all the time.

Is it value for money?

Yes. Trails are fun, low cost, last years, offer education, conservation, bio-diversity, community engagement, and become a staple attraction for families, schools and residents.

Do we need / can we have multiple trails?

One works well. Larger councils often install several across different parks.

INSTALLATION & PRACTICAL ISSUES

How are the hotels installed?

They can be mounted on trees, existing posts, fences, or other existing structures using simple fixings provided

Is planning permission needed?

Almost certainly not as it falls under normal park improvements.

Do we need utility checks?

Probably not. The only digging is for a shallow sign post.

Can they go in play areas?

Yes, or just nearby. Councils choose what suits their space best.

How long does installation take?

Around 2 hours

VANDALISM & ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

Are they robust?

Yes — they’re made from durable materials designed for public spaces.

What about graffiti?

Signs can be cleaned easily if needed.

How quickly can parts be replaced?

We can supply quick, low-cost replacements.

EDUCATIONAL & COMMUNITY VALUE

Is it good for schools and families?

Very. It links directly to curriculum topics, teaches about nature and conservation, and gives children hands-on nature learning.

Is the content accessible?

Yes — it’s written clearly for all ages. The supporting QR pages for each educational sign also includes audio making it accessible for visually impaired, SEN learners, EAL families and younger children.

Are there curriculum links?

Yes — especially for KS1/KS2 science and nature.

Can we do an event or launch?

Definitely. Many councils invite local schools to open the trail.

ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSIVITY

Are the QR codes accessible?

Yes — large, high-contrast and easy to scan and also has audio option for visually impaired, SEN learner, EAL families and younger children

Is the language easy to understand?

Yes — clear, friendly, plain English.

Is it multilingual or suitable for SEN, EAL or visually impaired?

The educational QR pages are written in simple English aimed at children. Each page also has a "🔊 Read aloud” button for accessibility for those who struggle to reading, are SEN, EAL, or visually impaired.

Can we do an event or launch?

Definitely. Many councils invite local schools to open the trail.

DATA, GDPR, PRIVACY & QR ISSUES

Where do QR codes lead?

To safe, species-specific educational pages hosted by us.

Is any data collected?

No. We do not track or store personal information.

Is it GDPR compliant?

Yes — no cookies, no accounts, no advertising.

COUNCIL REPUTATION & PUBLIC REACTION

Will residents complain about bees?

Unlikely. Solitary bees are gentle and usually unnoticed except by those who want to learn. People generally love knowing they are helping bees.

Are bee conservation and trails working elsewhere?

Yes — councils and parks are doing bee initiative up and down the country and receive excellent feedback from families, schools and visitors. Park trails are a big hit with kids, young people and families looking for free out door activities

Could anyone criticise it environmentally?

No. The design is responsible, supports native species and provides habitats for bees under pressure.

Is the project politically neutral?

Completely. It focuses purely on conservation, education and community enjoyment and supporting pollinators which are vitally important