The buzz to save our bees returns to Chenies Manor as the coffee morning campaign, so successful last season, re-starts with the Bumblebee Bail Out next week.

Early last year a small group of dedicated gardeners and coffee lovers sitting round the kitchen table at Chenies Manor decided to go straight into action after discussing the dramatic decline in the bee population and the threat to our food production worldwide.

A series of coffee mornings with expert speakers, home-made cakes and raffles proved such a success, the buzz from the interest and support has resulted in the launch this year of Chenies Manor Coffee Morning UK Campaign to Save Our Bees and Save the World.

Last year the group raised £3,312 for two major bee charities, The British Beekeepers' Association and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

This year, the coffee morning dates at Chenies Manor are Bumblebee Bail Out on April 8 and September 2; Help our Honeybees, July 29; and Save our Solitary Bees on October 7.

The ‘red carpet’ will be out to welcome bees and their supporters. Hostess and owner of the manor Elizabeth MacLeod Matthews has created a quarter-acre strip of meadow full of bee-friendly flowers alongside the back drive to the manor.

The group also plans to encourage people in other counties to take up the idea and spread both awareness and information.

The coffee morning on April 8 will be followed by a tour of the Physic Garden with manor gardener Dianne Prutton.

Chenies Manor and Gardens, Chenies. All bee coffee mornings start at 10.30am.

  • Advance booking is essential. Details: 01494 873143, oakfield24@hotmail.co.uk