Felting With Bees

---

Part of Experience Ards and North Down 2024.

On arrival at The Walled Garden Helen’s Bay, guests will be welcomed by host Lorraine with a small glass of locally produced honey mead, followed by a visit to the apiary, at a safe distance, for a brief talk about the importance of Black Irish bee conservation, their role in cross pollination in the garden and what bee-friendly plants you can introduce into your own gardens to make them a haven for butterflies, bees and hoverflies.

And, you will be given a take-home pot (30ml) of Walled Garden honey.

You will then join local crafter Karen Stevenson who will guide you step by step in the creation of a bee-autifully detailed piece of felted 2D bee themed artwork, which will be mounted on a wooden block of repurposed scaffolding board for display, using a combination of wet and needle felting using sustainable wool.

Nestled within the garden walls, you can relax further and enjoy a delicious homemade ‘bee inspired’ afternoon tea.

Things to note

Over 18 yrs only.

The experience is suitable for beginners and advanced felters.

Tickets close five days before activity.

Dietary requirements and allergies

Please ensure that you check with all members of your party regarding food allergies, intolerances, and dietary requirements prior to booking tickets.
It is the responsibility of the ticketholder to inform a member of staff at the host venue about food allergies, intolerances and specific dietary requirements.
This must be done 72 hours before the experience by contacting Lorraine: info@thewalledgardenhelensbay.com

Due to the nature of the experience and the liklihood of visitors being around high pollen areas, if you have medical conditions such as allergies, especially with regards to bee stings, hay fever, please make Lorraine aware.

Getting there

By car: Helen’s Bay is accessed via the A2 Belfast/Bangor carriageway, following directional signage. Helen’s Bay is located before Crawfordsburn (if travelling from Belfast direction, after Crawfordsburn if travelling from Bangor direction).
Free parking is available at The Walled Garden, Helen’s Bay.

By Bus or Rail: Nearest rail stop is Helen’s Bay, however it would entail a lengthy walk to the Walled Garden. For public transport timetables, visit Translink NI.

Accessibility

As restoration works are underway, this experience may not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. If anyone has particular questions regarding accessibility, you are asked to contact Lorraine before booking on info@thewalledgardenhelensbay.com.

Carers

Where practicable providers within the Experience Programme will aim to accommodate carers and be as inclusive as possible. With such a diverse range of activities, operated by a number of providers, it is necessary for this to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Please contact Bangor Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069, and they will be able to address your enquiry.