A rare species of solitary bee, Colletes hederae, has been identified at University College School in Hampstead, marking a notable find for the area. The bee, whose name derives from the Latin for ivy, was spotted on a dry bank within the school grounds, and local efforts are now focused on safeguarding its habitat.
Discovery and Habitat
Noel Brock, whose company Frognal Gardens manages the school grounds, first noticed the bees and has taken a keen interest in their welfare. He invited a visitor to observe the bees as they emerged from their burrows during sunny late-summer days. This year's drought has delayed the flowering of ivy, forcing the bees to seek alternative pollen sources.
Although described as solitary because each bee has its own burrow and there is no queen, the site hosted a large number of them, circling low around the tiny holes in the ground. Brock explained that the majority were males, ready to cluster around any emerging female in a mating behavior known as a "bee ball."
Protection Efforts and Community Support
Beyond the initial discovery, Brock has been actively encouraging the bees to colonize a scrape of ground on a dry higher terrace under the old garden wall. This area, which includes an allotment, a wildlife pond, and a view over the school's roofline, is being managed with the school's goodwill to keep the bees safe from nearby development work. Mature ivy on the wall offers a future food source for the bees.
Separately, North London gardeners have shown resilience after a challenging growing year, with several horticultural shows taking place in September. The Highgate Horticultural Society held its autumn show at Holly Lodge Community Centre on September 5, followed by Shepherds Hill Allotments on September 12, and Muswell Hill and Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Societies on September 19.
Flower Shows and Community Spirit
Each show had its own highlights, but a common theme was the positive effect of rain on plant health. The venue significantly influenced the atmosphere of each event. At Holly Lodge, despite less space than the usual Pond Square Chapel, a terrace overlooking London provided a pleasant spot for tea and cakes, which are integral to such gatherings. Inside, Gary Sycamore's autumnal flower and fruit arrangements and Susan Shillito's roses competed with the view.
Shepherds Hill Allotments celebrated their centenary with a delightful, if occasionally flyaway, show. Gary Sycamore and the author served as judges. At Muswell Hill, Jenny Kruss and Odille Deguillen displayed striking and very different begonias, one elegant and the other gorgeous. At Hampstead Garden Suburb, Chris Page's award-winning corn and Lorraine Wilder's mixed roses drew attention, as did the Black Dyke Band performing outside.
