The Bumblebee Conservation Trust is joining forces with two Croydon garden centres this weekend to raise awareness of the area’s declining bee populations and how important the insects are to gardeners and crop production.

Shirley Garden Centre on Wickham Road in Croydon, and Wyevale Garden Centre on Waddon Way in Croydon, are inviting people to their free insect weekend on Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21.

Over the course of the weekend the garden centres will be hosting displays, handing out complimentary children’s activity sheets and offering free advice about attracting not just bees, but all friendly insects to gardens.

Shirley Garden Centre’s manager, Colin Hammond, said: “We’re supporting the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and helping raise awareness of its work, because bees are the gardener’s best friend.”

• Find out about more local green groups at greenguardian.co.uk