We all know how important it is to protect the bees.

And now one Cork venue is making sure they’re protected in the long term, with a custom-designed walking trail dedicated to these vital pollinators.

The Bee Pollinator Trail will be officially opened next week at Fota House, Gardens, and Arboretum by Minister for State, Patrick O’Donovan. The trail will attract some of the 101 bee species in Ireland, many of which are in decline.

All 12 stations in the trail, each with particular relevance to pollination and biodiversity, have been carefully created by the Irish Bee Conservation Project together with the Irish Heritage Trust and the OPW.

If you can’t wait until next week to plan a visit to Fota House and Gardens, the grounds are open from 9.30am to 5.30pm daily (outdoor loos are available) and Bakestone café is open from 10am to 5pm daily.

The Victorian Frameyard Working Gardens are open Monday to Friday from 10.30am to 2.45pm. All plants on sale are grown on-site by head gardener Bernard and local volunteers.

Picture: Little Bee Charlie Walsh with his Grandfather Frank Mulvihill the Irish Bee Conservation Project. Clare Keogh