Tonbridge Daily Photo

Tonbridge Daily Photo #289 - A Tonbridge Bee

'Bees are in serious trouble. Their numbers have fallen dramatically in recent years, affected by disease, chemicals and habitat loss. Since 1900, the UK has lost 20 species of bee. A further 35 bee species are considered to be under threat of extinction.' (Friends of the Earth)

I managed to get a close up photo of this bee in a Tonbridge garden and didn't even get stung. If you look carefully at the wings you can see all the minute details and patterns, and the bee does look rather soft and fluffy even though it has the ability to give a very painful sting. I'm quite proud of this shot.

Recently a new Tonbridge and Malling Friends of the Earth Group was formed, and they held their first event dressed as bees to raise funds and awareness of the Friends of the Earth Bee Cause.

The group took part in the Tonbridge Lions organised circular charity walk that began and ended at Shipbourne Village Hall passing through the surrounding open fields and Igtham Moat. Over £100 was raised for the Bee Cause.

If anyone would like to join in future environmentally friendly activities , you can get in touch by emailing TandMfoe@gmail.com
 

First Event For Local Friends of the Earth Group

The new Tonbridge and Malling Friends of the Earth group held their first event on Sunday 19th May.

Dressed as bees, they took part in the annual Lions Charities Walk, to raise funds and awareness of the Friends of the Earth Bee Cause.

 

Bees are essential for pollinating our crops as, well as honey production, and have been in decline over recent years. Likely reasons for the decline in bee numbers include disease, loss of habitat and flowers, and the use of certain pesticides.

 

The circular walk, passing through bluebell woods, open fields and past Igtham Moat, began and ended at Shipbourne village hall. 

 

 

It was a fun day out for all involved, especially as the sun shone!  Over £100 was raised for the Bee Cause.

 

If anyone would like to join in future environmentally friendly activities , you can get in touch by emailing TandMfoe@gmail.com

Walk for The Bridge Trust

Ightham Moat

Tonbridge Lions Charity Walk - Sunday May 19

Registration from 9 to 9.30am at

Shipbourne Village Hall, Shipbourne Common

Enjoy a walk in the fresh air through some of Kent's loveliest countryside, and support The Bridge Trust's work with single homeless adults at the same time!

The route is 5 or 10 miles - maps and instructions are provided - refreshments free.

Both routes will have marshals and drinks stations at suitable points. Doges are allowed but must be kept on leads.

The 10 mile route:-
Shipbourne Common, Fairlawne Home Farm, Dunks Green, Fairlawne Park, Ightham Mote, Wilmot Cottage (lovely views across the Weald), Greensand Way, Carter's Hill, White Rock Inn, Underriver House, across open level pasture land to Mote Road, Shipbourne Church, The Chaser Inn, and finally across The Common to the Village Hall at Shipbourne. All road crossing will be marshalled by members of Tonbridge Lions Club.

The 5 mile route:-
This route is similar but starts the return leg at Budds Green.

If you would like to take part and raise sponsorship for The Bridge Trust, please contact Caroline Dunmall on cdunmall@thebridgetrust,org.uk as soon as possible, as your name needs to be forwarded, together with those joining you, to Tonbridge Lions Club.  You will also need to be sent a Sponsorship Form.