Toby the bumblebee sniffer dog

Meet Toby, our 3 year old springer spaniel.

Why a bumblebee sniffer dog? Well, bumblebee nests are very hard to find as they are small and often hidden away underground or in dense vegetation. Toby sniffs them out for us!

By finding the nests we can estimate local population sizes, and learn more about previously elusive aspects of bumblebee ecology.

Toby (and handler Steph!) will be starring on BBC1's The One Show at 7pm on Monday 1st September. Be sure to tune in!

Filming took place at our the bumblebee santuary at Vane Farm in Perth and Kinross. The meadow is a partnership between BBCT and RSPB Scotland.

The film crew and energetic presenter Mike Dilger had a great day, and shot some wonderful footage. We can't wait to see the finished feature.

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust is a registered charity (number 1115634) which was founded with the aim of protecting bumblebees and their associated habitats through conservation and education. We are grateful to the following orginisations for their support.