Beeston Bee Trail expands its colony

Launching during February half-term, the expanded trail offers double the fun with more bee facts, creative displays, and tasty treats.

As ever, there are prizes available for collecting stamps from each trail stop, with brand new badges and key rings for those that collect six stamps, and limited edition prizes from Kimberley business Coasteroo for the busy bees that find all twelve (while stocks last)! Prizes will be available to collect from The Plane Tree.

The expansion comes after early success following the trail’s launch in October of last year, helping to create an even bigger buzz around Beeston Town Centre.

Trail maps will be available to pick up from the trail’s hive, based in The Plane Tree – a welcoming community space and local favourite that will serve as the starting point for trail-goers – as well as Beeston Library and Broxtowe Borough Council’s Beeston Offices.

The Beeston Bee Trail was created by Broxtowe Borough Council, in partnership with Beeston Civic Society, and is here to stay. Find out more and share your journey here on the Beeston Bee Trail webpage (Opens in a new window) using #BeestonBeeTrail and help spread the buzz!

Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Asset Management, Councillor Milan Radulovic MBE, said, “The early success of the Bee Trail has been fantastic to see and I’m looking forward to seeing the expansion create a bigger buzz around the town.”

“The trail is a great opportunity to learn more about the importance of bees in our environment, while getting active, supporting local businesses, and picking up a nice prize along the way.”

Mervyn Brown, Beeston Civic Society Bee Trail Project Lead, added, “Expansion of the Beeston Bee Trail gives new points of interest and opportunities to enjoy exploring the town. The Bee Trail is fun – featuring beautiful illustrations or 12 individual bees makes it educational as well – with prizes added for completion.

“Beeston Civic Society working in unison with Broxtowe Borough Council moves another step towards; Making Beeston Better and ensuring that ‘There’s Always a Buzz in Beeston’”

Shelly Wood, Director of the Plane Tree, said, “The Plane Tree shop exists to offer training to adults with additional needs and to support inclusion. The bee trail has placed us at the heart of the community. It’s a great way for us to get involved with the public and it supports local independent businesses, and bees! This year we are all involved in making the prizes as we have the additional job of producing bespoke badges and keyrings for the trail too.”

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said, “The Beeston Bee Trail is expanding, with more businesses, activities, and prizes for residents and visitors to enjoy. It’s a great way to bring the community together and showcase everything Beeston has to offer. 

“This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, distributed by EMCCA, demonstrating how targeted investment can support both local businesses and community initiatives. 

“I want to thank everyone involved – from the council and local partners to the residents taking part. It’s a strong example of how working together can create lasting benefits for the whole community.” 

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is providing £25.17 million of funding for local investment across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in 2025/26. This funding, distributed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), aims to boost pride in place and increase life chances in the region. The investment will focus on supporting communities and businesses, as well as developing skills for individuals.

Broxtowe Borough Council has been allocated a total of £1,056,720 in 2025/6. Activity funded includes local business and skills support and a set of community projects