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.
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
How to Identify the Dark European Honey Bee The Dark European Honey Bee has a black or dark brown body with minimal banding. It thrives in gardens, forests, and meadows, where it plays a crucial role in pollination. Physical Characteristics Image from Britannica. Attribute Details
How to Identify the Western Honey Bee The Western Honey Bee has a golden brown body with black bands and fine hairs covering its thorax. It is commonly found in gardens, wildflower meadows, and agricultural areas, where it plays a crucial role in pollination. Physical
Introduction: The Surprising Importance of Wasps Wasps often get a bad reputation, but they are much more than just stinging insects. These often-overlooked creatures play essential roles in ecosystems and human life. From natural pest control to medical research, wasps have proven to be invaluable.
Willoughby’s Leaf Cutter Bee Identification: A Complete Guide Willoughby’s Leaf Cutter Bee (Megachile willughbiella) is a fascinating solitary bee species known for its unique nesting behavior and distinct appearance. Native to Europe, this bee is particularly skilled at cutting leaves to construct its nests, which
Red-girdled Mining Bee Identification: A Complete Guide The Red-girdled Mining Bee (Andrena labiata) is a distinctive and attractive solitary bee species native to Europe. Known for the striking red band that girdles its abdomen, this bee is one of the many species of mining bees
Wool Carder Bee Identification: A Complete Guide The Wool Carder Bee, scientifically known as Anthidium manicatum, is a unique and fascinating solitary bee species found in Europe and North America.This bee collects plant fibers to build nests, making it known for its distinctive behavior and
Small Carpenter Bee Identification: A Complete Guide The Small Carpenter Bee, scientifically known as Ceratina cyanea, is a small but significant solitary bee species commonly found in Europe. Known for its shiny, metallic appearance, this bee plays a vital role in pollination, particularly in gardens
Ashy Mining Bee Identification: A Complete Guide The Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria) is a solitary bee with distinctive black and white coloring. These bees are important pollinators found in gardens, meadows, and woodland edges across southern and central England. By learning how to identify
Tawny Mining Bee Identification: A Complete Guide The Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva) is one of the most distinctive solitary bees in the UK. Known for its reddish-brown fur, this ground-nesting bee is a valuable pollinator in gardens, meadows, and woodlands. Learning how to identify
🐝 Introduction The Red Mason Bee (Osmia bicornis) is a solitary bee species found all over the UK. It’s one of the earliest bees to emerge in spring and plays a key role in pollinating fruit trees, wildflowers, and early crops. With its rust-red thorax,