Giant bee sculpture finds permanent home in Oaklands Park
A giant honeybee sculpture has been given a permanent home in Oaklands Park following a successful fundraising campaign by Chelmsford Beekeepers in support of Farleigh Hospice.
Members of Chelmsford Beekeepers, alongside representatives from Chelmsford City Council and Farleigh Hospice, gathered in the grounds of the Museum of Chelmsford on 21 July to see the Mayor of Chelmsford, Cllr Lynne Foster, officially unveil Beethology, one of the much-loved sculptures from Farleigh Hospice's 2025 Buzz in the City art trail.
From city art trail to museum attraction
During the summer of 2025, 30 giant bee sculptures, each featuring a unique artistic design, were displayed across Chelmsford as part of the Buzz in the City art trail. The initiative aimed to raise awareness and funds for local charity Farleigh Hospice and was a big hit with residents and visitors across the city.
When the trail ended, the sculptures were made available to purchase and Chelmsford Beekeepers saw an opportunity to secure one for permanent display in Oaklands Park, home of the Museum of Chelmsford.
For more than 50 years, visitors to the Museum of Chelmsford have enjoyed learning about bees through its indoor observation hive, which remains a popular attraction today, making the site a fitting home for Beethology.
Chelmsford Beekeepers raise over £2,500 for Farleigh Hospice
Brian Spencer, Chair of Chelmsford Beekeepers, led a fundraising campaign to raise over £2,500 to purchase the colourful sculpture, with all proceeds supporting Farleigh Hospice's vital work across mid Essex. At the unveiling ceremony, Brian thanked supporters for their generosity in helping make the project a reality and highlighted the long-standing connection between the museum and bees.
Councillor Rose Moore, Chelmsford City Council's Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford, praised the initiative and the partnership behind it.
““I am delighted to mark the return of Beethology, by artist Karis Harrington. This beautiful bee is a gentle reminder and celebration of those who quietly get on with doing good things for our community and the natural world that sustains and enriches us.
Councillor Rose Moore, Chelmsford City Council's Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford
“Chelmsford’s Beekeepers are mindful guardians of our pollinators - those small, vital creatures that keep our ecosystems and food systems in balance. The positive impact of their commitment and care resonates far beyond the hive. A special thank you to Brian and the Chelmsford Beekeepers for bringing Beethology to live alongside the Museum of Chelmsford, known for its strong connection to bees.
“Farleigh’s compassion is one of the strengths of our district. They support families at the hardest moments of their lives, with dignity, kindness, and humanity. Every donation connected to this sculpture helps them continue that work – a huge thanks to everyone who contributed.
“So, as we welcome Beethology to her forever home in home in Oaklands Park, may she stand as a symbol of community action, care, quiet compassion, and hope for a green and abundant future.”
‘Beethology’ by Karis Harrington will now reside permanently in Oaklands Park.
‘Beethology’ by Karis Harrington
Artist Karis Harrington created Beethology to explore the rich and enduring relationship between bees and human culture. Drawing inspiration from Celtic mythology, the Muses and the traditional custom of “telling the bees” about important life events, the artwork reflects the many ways bees have featured in our stories, beliefs and shared traditions over generations.
More than a celebration of their role in nature, Beethology highlights how bees have long occupied a special place in our imaginations, rituals and folklore, capturing the deep connections between people, communities and the natural world.
Representatives from Chelmsford Beekeepers, Farleigh Hospice and Chelmsford City Council gather to unveil the bee sculpture.
Mayor unveils statue
Following speeches from Brian Spencer, Chair of Chelmsford Beekeepers; Councillor Rose Moore, Chelmsford City Council's Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford; and Debbie de Boltz and Caroline Smith from Farleigh Hospice's fundraising team, the Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Lynne Foster, officially unveiled Beethology with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Visitors to Oaklands Park can now see the giant bee sculpture for themselves, where it is expected to become a popular feature for visitors to the museum and park. Beethology can be found to the right of the Museum of Chelmsford, beside the walled garden.
Although the fundraising target has been reached, donations are still welcome through the Chelmsford Beekeepers' JustGiving page. Any additional funds raised will continue to support Farleigh Hospice and its ongoing work across mid Essex.
A bee’s journey – meet Betty the bee
Did you know Chelmsford City Council also has its own beehive on the Civic Centre roof?
A new Chelmsford City Parks video follows Betty the bee on her journey from the Plan BEE hive across the city, showing how pollinators can thrive in urban environments. Travelling up to two miles, Betty visits parks, flower beds, hanging baskets, grass verges and wildflower areas that provide vital food and shelter for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
The film highlights the importance of connected green spaces and how everyone can support local biodiversity. Whether it's a window box, wildlife-friendly garden, mini meadow or community planting project, every patch of nature helps create a healthier habitat for wildlife across Chelmsford.
