St Davids, nestled on the picturesque coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales, is a haven for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs. Known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, this charming micro city offers numerous opportunities to witness the wonders of the natural world. Among its vibrant wildlife, bees play a crucial role as pollinators, and play a large part in the city's history and myth. In this blog, we will explore the best places to spot bees when you visit St Davids, allowing you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of these industrious insects and appreciate their vital contributions to the local ecosystem.
St Davids Cathedral Peace Garden:
Where better to start your bee-spotting adventure than at the beautiful gardens surrounding St Davids Cathedral on the site of the former priest college, St Mary's. This garden provides a diverse range of flowers and plants, attracting bees of various species (and you never know, if you're very quiet and mindful on your visit you might just catch a reclusive monk wandering about, collecting nuts and seeds). Wander through the vibrant floral displays and observe the buzzing activity as bees go about their essential pollination work and take yourself back to medieval times when the monks of St David's were keeping bees all over the city. Look for blooms such as lavender, foxgloves, and bee-friendly wildflowers, which are particularly attractive to these buzzing beauties.
2. Dewi's Acre Community Garden:
Just down the back of St David's cathedral, past the ruins of the Bishop's Palace and along the ancient walls of the cathedral grounds you'll find a beautiful and well-hidden secret community garden tucked away down an alleyway, featuring an orchard, vegetable patches and habitats for wildlife. A recent project that has breathed new ecological life into the city, led by local environmental group Eco Dewi who have been promoting climate action in the area through a variety of green-thinking ideas. You'll be met with a whole host of pollinators, including bees and other invertebrates, and if you're lucky you might even get to spot a monk pinching apples from the orchard.
3. St Non's Well and Chapel:
Head to the tranquil site of St Non's Well and Chapel, located near St Davids. As you explore the peaceful surroundings, keep an eye out for bees fluttering among the wildflowers that adorn the area. Take a moment to appreciate the harmonious relationship between bees and the natural environment, with the ancient ruins of St Non's Chapel providing a picturesque backdrop to this serene bee-spotting experience.
4. Dowrog Common:
Embark on a hike or leisurely stroll across Dowrog Common, just outside the city of St Davids. This protected heathland area is home to diverse flora and fauna, including an abundance of wildflowers that attract bees and rare butterfly orchids. Look for buzzing activity around the meadow, hedgerows, and heathland areas. A serene location near Britain's Smallest City where you can pass the time observing bees busily collecting nectar and pollen, contributing to the National Park's vibrant ecosystem. A great place for spotting lesser cistercion monks too, known to wander the reserve looking for herbs.
5. RSPB Ramsey Island:
For a truly immersive bee-spotting experience, consider a boat trip to RSPB Ramsey Island, located just off the coast of St David's Peninsula. This wildlife sanctuary is renowned for its seabird colonies, but it also offers an opportunity to witness bees in their natural habitat, where wildlife is virtually undisturbed by human interference. As you explore the island's trails and cliff-top walks, keep an eye out for bees buzzing around the island's flora, including coastal plants and wildflowers. Ramsey Island's untouched beauty provides a unique backdrop for observing these remarkable creatures in action. Also the mystical site of St Justinian's monastery that he built when splitting off from St David's monastery.
6. Open Gardens St David's:
St Davids and its surrounding areas are home to a variety of public and private gardens, as well as nature reserves, which are ideal for bee-spotting. Every year the city hosts an Open Gardens event where everyone who visits St Davids is welcomed in to a host of private gardens, open to all, featuring an array of insect-friendly trees and ponds. These gardens, dotted all over the city offer opportunities to witness bees thriving amidst carefully curated floral displays or in their natural habitats. These locations showcase the diverse range of bee-friendly plants that flourish in St Davids' unique environment.
On your visit, St Davids, with its natural beauty and diverse landscapes, provides an ideal setting for observing bees in action. From the vibrant gardens surrounding St Davids Cathedral to the rugged trails of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and the peaceful sites like St Non's Well and Chapel, Oriel Y Parc Visitor Centre, Dowrog Common there are ample opportunities to witness these fascinating creatures as they go about their essential pollination work. By exploring these best spots for bee-spotting, you can deepen your connection with nature, gain a greater appreciation for bees' vital role in the ecosystem, and contribute to their conservation efforts. So, when you visit St Davids, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the buzzing beauties that grace Britain's Smallest City.
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