This archive brings together practical, experience-led articles from The Backyard Farmer, covering gardening, DIY, indoor growing, foraging, reviews, and sustainable living. Each post is written with real-world use in mind — focusing on working with nature, building practical skills, and making sustainable choices more accessible.
How to Identify the Broken-belted Bumblebee in the UK The Broken-belted Bumblebee (Bombus soroeensis) is easy to recognize due to its: This species closely resembles other bumblebees, making careful observation essential for accurate identification. Learn more about UK bumblebee species and how to identify them
Bee Species Profile: Large Garden Bumblebee (Bombus ruderatus) The Large Garden Bumblebee (Bombus ruderatus) is one of the UK’s rare but important long-tongued bumblebee species. It is a crucial pollinator of long-tubed wildflowers such as foxglove and red clover, and can be found in gardens,
Introduction The Forest Cuckoo Bumblebee (Bombus sylvestris) is one of the UK’s lesser-known bumblebee species. Unlike social bumblebees, it doesn’t build its own nest or have worker bees. Instead, it takes over the nests of other bumblebees, relying on their workers to raise its young—a
Introduction When learning how to season firewood, few things are as satisfying as a roaring fire fueled by properly seasoned logs. Burning unseasoned wood, however, often leads to avoidable problems, including: Learning how to season firewood properly not only solves these issues but also brings
The Gypsy Cuckoo Bumblebee (Bombus bohemicus) is an intriguing and rare species of parasitic bumblebee. Renowned for its unique reproductive behavior and reliance on host species, this bumblebee plays a vital role in our ecosystem. However, its declining numbers highlight the need for conservation efforts.
Identifying Bombus campestris The Field Cuckoo Bumblebee is slightly larger than other species, measuring 15–18 mm. It stands out with its distinctive black and yellow markings, often accompanied by reddish hairs on its abdomen. Unlike social bumblebees, it lacks pollen baskets on its legs due
Recognizing the Heath Bumblebee The Heath Bumblebee (Bombus jonellus) is a small, fluffy bumblebee with distinct yellow and black stripes and a pale, almost white tail. You can often spot males, slightly smaller than females, with their longer antennae and yellow facial hair. Unlike some
Introduction Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’re getting ready for a cozy night by the fire. Before you can settle in and enjoy the warm glow of the flames, though, there’s some prep work to tackle. Don’t worry—with the right tools for cutting
Introduction Collecting firewood can be a rewarding way to save money, stay warm, and enjoy the great outdoors. However, following legal tips for collecting firewood is essential to avoid fines, protect the environment, and ensure your own safety. It’s not as simple as picking up
Introduction The Garden Bumblebee (Bombus hortorum) is one of the earliest bumblebee species to emerge each spring, making it a vital pollinator for a wide range of plants. With its unusually long tongue, rapid movements, and bold black-and-yellow pattern, this bee is easy to spot
Introduction The Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) is one of the earliest British bumble bees to appear in spring, making it a key pollinator for a wide range of plants in the UK. With its large size, distinctive low-pitched buzz, and pale buff-coloured tail, this native
Common Carder Bee Species Profile The Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) is one of the most cherished bumblebee species in the UK. Its warm ginger-brown thorax and ability to thrive in various environments make it a frequent visitor to gardens, meadows, hedgerows, and grasslands. For