We have decided to support a second conservation charity this year, so joining the Sumatran Orangutan Society will be the Bumblebee Conservation Trust (BBCT). From my roots as an entomologist, bumblebees have always been special to me (the fact that such aerodynamically challenged large insects can even take off, let alone fly, is a conundrum that never fails to fascinate (and amuse) me); with the nation’s bumblebees facing a drastic decline in numbers, it seemed highly appropriate to create a soap to help support them. Half the sale price of each bar will go directly to the BBCT.
This first design is showing queens of Bombus lucorum, the white-tailed bumblebee, a species that should be familiar to most people. Having made an initial trial batch to iron out potential issues with achieving that classic bumblebee shape, I am now happy with the result; I hope you think the same. This limited edition batch is now curing and should be available for sale early to mid-June.
To watch how the soap is made, follow this link to our YouTube page for a video that demonstrates the method.
The next bumblebee to go under the spotlight will be the beautiful – and scarce – bilberry (or blaeberry) bumblebee; look out for this one over the next couple of months.