Wild Bee Festival 2026
Saturday 22nd – Sunday 23rd August
Waterford Education Support Centre
Book your ticket for the 2026 Wild Bee Festival here: Select tickets – Wild Bee Festival 2026 – Waterford Education Support Centre
Join us for a weekend of free talks and walks celebrating our wild bees and how to help them thrive and hear about some of the biodiversity work taking place in Waterford City. The Wild Bee Festival 2026 is organised by the National Biodiversity Data Centre as part of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, in collaboration with the B Corridor group in Waterford.
When we manage our landscape for pollinators, everyone benefits. Studies show that healthy natural environments are good for our health and wellbeing and social connections. You don’t need to be an expert – beginners are welcome and encouraged! Whether you’re taking action to help biodiversity already, or you’re just getting started on your journey, there is something for you at this year’s Wild Bee Festival.
With talks led by community groups and ecologists on topics like starting your own Community Biodiversity Action Plan, an introduction to Ireland’s bees, and the vibrant range of nature initiatives taking place in Waterford, it’s a fantastic way to meet people who also care about nature and are taking steps to look after it on the land they manage.
Saturday 22nd August
09:30 – 10:00: Arrival, tea and coffee.
10:00 – 10:30: Welcome and an introduction biodiversity action in Waterford – Cecily Maher, B Corridor
10:30 – 11:30: Introduction to Ireland’s bees – Dr Úna FitzPatrick, All-Ireland Pollinator Plan co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer, National Biodiversity Data Centre
11:30 – 12:30: How can communities help pollinators? – Kate Chandler, Communities Pollinator Officer, National Biodiversity Data Centre
12:30 – 13:30: Lunch (Sandwiches are provided, but a range of food and drink options are available within walking distance of the venue).
13:30 – 14:30: Dr Fiona MacGowan, ecologist and member of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns
14:30 – 16:00: Short talks followed by a joint Q&A session:
- Developing a Native Garden – Simon Dowling, B Corridor resident
- Tree planting with schools/housing estates – Brian Jacobs, Waterford Trees for Life
- Connectivity Through Nature – Jane Fraher, Three Sisters Women’s Shed
On Saturday, we are delighted to be able to display a biodiversity-themed quilt created by the Central Library Craft group. Members of the group will be present during refreshments to talk about the quilt and its creation.
Sunday 23rd August
09:30 – 10:00: Arrival, tea and coffee.
10:00 – 10:30: Helping pollinators at the Deise Men’s Shed – Micheál Kavanagh, Déise Men’s Shed
10:30 – 11:00: Community Biodiversity Action Plans. Understanding the process and how your community can make a real difference for local biodiversity – Ciarán Byrne, Senior Ecologist with FERS
11:00 – 13:00: Guided walk of the Maypark nature trail – B Corridor group and Ciarán Byrne*
* Please note the guided walk of the Maypark trail involves some steep hills and unsteady terrain. Those wishing to take part will need to bring suitable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. If demand is very high for the guided walk, numbers may need to be limited and spaces allocated on a first come, first served basis.
The Wild Bee Festival is an annual event coordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre, aiming to raise awareness of Ireland’s pollinators and how to help them in local communities.