Creating a buzz with the Bee Man
Clancy Lester better known as the Bee Man brought his knowledge and passion for native pollinators along with his skills for creating bee hotels to Tamworth. Clancy not only created a real buzz with his informative and engaging talks but left us with multiple functioning bee hotels as a continuing legacy to learn from and replicate.
Capacity building - LP_13_LLCTR-TRLA5
The issue
We identified an opportunity to increase community knowledge about Australia’s native pollinators, and habitat creation in a way that was engaging, practical and accessible to a broad audience.
At the same time, Currawong Park volunteers had been working for several years to transform a small urban park into a functioning habitat for native birds, frogs, insects and pollinators. This was an opportunity to connect people with a real local example of biodiversity restoration and show how small-scale community action can have meaningful environmental outcomes.
The challenge was to create an event that leave people with practical knowledge they could apply at home or in their local area.
The solution
TRLA, supported by Local Land Services (LLS), delivered a two-day program in March 2026 featuring native bee educator Clancy Lester, “The Bee Man.” The initiative followed over 12 months of planning led by Currawong Park Volunteers Chair Penny Milson, in collaboration with Landcare staff and partners. The program included a school visit to Hillvue Public School, a homeschool workshop at Currawong Park where students built bee hotels, a guided Walk & Talk exploring links between vegetation, pollinators and birdlife, and an evening Landcare Learning event in Tamworth attended by over 50 people, engaging the community in native pollinator education.
The impact
The initiative delivered strong community engagement and meaningful outcomes in the community. More than 50 people attended the evening session, with a further 30 joining the Currawong Park Walk & Talk, alongside school and homeschool participation. Attendees gained valuable knowledge about native bees and practical ways to support them through habitat creation. Students built bee hotels now installed in the park, creating a lasting legacy. The events brought together diverse groups, strengthening community connections and networks. Currawong Park was showcased as a leading example of urban biodiversity restoration, while many participants left feeling inspired to take action in their own gardens.