National bee expert and Wren member, Tony Madgwick (LNHS Recorder for Bees and Wasps), has agreed to give us a special session on bee identification.

Wanstead Park is home to 88 different solitary bee and wasps. Nearly all of these are smaller than
the familiar Buff-tailed Bumblebee, some so small as to be overlooked as flies by the casual
observer. If you look closer and with patience, you might be rewarded by the variety of forms and
behaviours on display. From the rich chestnut red of the Tawny Mining Bee to the striking black
and yellow of wasps, the glittering jewel wasps and the tiny metallic Little Blue Carpenter Bees.
You might glimpse the gangs of male bees zooming around the hedgerow edges, watch female
bees frantically gathering pollen or be surprised by small wasps ambushing their fly prey. Your
guide will wrangle bees and wasps, giving you the opportunity to see these wonderful insects up
close and personal (and safely of course!).