Do you know bees are some of the most important insects in the world? Did you know they fly super high above the streets of London, out of sight, often resting on the highest buildings? Can you believe bees drink water? (If you've never thought about it before, that last one seems wild and obvious at the same time!)
Globally, bees are awesome pollinators and so so important to our planet's biodiversity. That's why we've teamed up with the RSPB, a leading conservation charity, and Our Park Life to give you the chance to do a little bit for biodiversity. We love this one - it's practical, fun, and super important.
What's the deal?
On the day, you'll join the wonderful Tom Bellamy in the Mobile Garden on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. All tools and materials will be there for you, provided by us at the SU. Following some training and a little safety chat from Tom - it'll be easy to follow - you'll hear about what makes the best bee hotel. Then you'll be ready to design, prepare the materials for, and build your very own conservation masterpiece!
You don't need any skills particularly - all the equipment and training will be provided and you'll be supervised and not be working on your own.
... and what's the vibe on the day?
Creative conservation! Fun! Practical! That's what we think this session will be all about. This is exclusive to UCL students and you'll be led by a friendly, kind, and super experienced conservation team to guide you to making a big difference to the local area. The words we always hear about these Big Help Out opportunities are wholesome and fun! Check out our Instagram to see what other UCL students have been taking part in locally. See if you can spot the lovely Tom in one of our reels! @uclstudentsocialimpact
📢📢 Free hot snacks and drinks provided throughout the morning!
| 09:30 | Squad meets at Caravan @ UCL East for a coffee* on us. Meet and check in with your Student Events Host |
| 10:00 | Event begins, with Tom at the Mobile Garden |
| 14:00 | Event ends, make sure you've checked in with your Student Events Host before you leave |
*Other hot drinks are available!
Sounds great in theory but I'm still not sure
You may be questioning your life choices right now - it's the start of term and it's cold and dark in London - and, if you're not from here and this is your first year, it's probably come as quite the shock! This is the antidote - coming together for a greater and simple good will bring you light! Working in a Mobile Garden, in nature, and possibly in the rain (highly likely! At best it will be gloomy) may feel like a drag but we promise we'll make the sun shine for you through a camaraderie that only happens through working together, despite the weather!
In a world of fast and instantaneous everything, from food to fashion, sloooow it down some and do something that is about tomorrow. What you achieve on this day, constructing tiny homes for one the world's most important pollinators, will have impact long, long after you leave the Park at 14:00.
Being in nature, slowing things down, doing a good deed - these things are all related to improved mental health and feelings of wellbeing. Imagine how you'll feel from 1/2 a day of all three of these things!
There will be a friendly Student Events Host at each of our events so you can rest assured that when you arrive, you will be seen and someone will make it their business to come and say hi and make sure you're okay. Everyone feels nervous about taking part in something like this - we'll help you triumph over that, we promise!
Please get in touch about family members (especially children) joining you, as it might not be an appropriate activity or insurance does not cover this.