More than 35 people attended a gathering in aid of the Bumblebee Trust at a garden in Geldeston to raise money for local charities.

Brian Norman, who is a retired teacher and a local expert on bees, led the event with a talk about the three main types of bees – honey bees, bumblebees and solitary bees, each of which has several sub-species.

His wife Alison, who helped to organise the event, said: “We thought of the idea because our garden is full of bees of all kinds at this time of year and because they are seriously threatened by environmental change. We all need to do more to look after our bees.”

Mr Norman explained to the group how bees make their nests using any available materials and demonstrated how to encourage bees to make their nests safely in gardens.

He said: “Tree bumblebees have only been seen in this country since around 2001 and they may use nest boxes and the eaves of people’s houses to make their homes.

“Sometimes this causes a bit of alarm.”

Visitors were then treated to a tour of the garden and neighbouring meadow before returning for a cream tea.

Mrs Norman said: “Apart from having a wonderful afternoon, we raised £150 for the good causes. We’re planning other events in Geldeston to study glow worms and bats. It’s such a rich environment for wildlife.”

Anyone wishing to receive more information should contact Mr Norman at brian@ftfarm.co.uk