Wild Bee Festival 2026
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.
The 2026 Wild Bee Festival took place on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August in the Waterford Education Support Centre, in collaboration with the B Corridor group, Waterford. With talks led by community groups and ecologists on topics like starting Community Biodiversity Action Plan, an introduction to Ireland’s bees, and the vibrant range of nature initiatives taking place in Waterford, the weekend was packed with opportunities to learn more about wild bees and how to help transform the landscape for pollinators and people.
Find links to all the presentations on the event schedule below:
Saturday 22nd August
10:00 – 10:30: Welcome and Introduction to the B Corridor – 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
13:30 – 14:30: How Ireland’s Communities are Looking After & Out For Our Wild Bees – Dr Fiona MacGowan, ecologist and member of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns
14:30 – 16:00: Short talks:
- Developing a Native Garden – Simon Dowling, B Corridor resident
- Tree planting with schools/housing estates – Brian Jacob, Waterford Trees for Life
- Three Garments: Make, Grow, Know – Jane Fraher, Three Sisters Women’s Shed
Sunday 23rd August
10:00 – 10:30: Helping pollinators at the Déise 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.