Ins & Outs of Barbados 2023

25 At a Glance Bee Experience Experience the buzzing world of honey bees in a truly unique way. Learn about the importance of these insects and the incredible value they add to our lives. A professional beekeeper will guide you through one of our apiaries where you will experience a bee’s world, getting up close and personal with these fascinating insects. There is so much to experience and at the end of all the fun and excitement, you will be heading home with a small jar of ‘liquid gold’ to remind you of your memorable experience with us. Unique Black Mangrove Long Pond is home to mangroves, one of the most important types of ecosystems in Barbados and other tropical regions. They are our first line of defense against storms and other major weather events. They also protect our communities from flooding and provide homes to various species of wildlife. By restoring the mangrove ecosystem at Long Pond to ecological health, more carbon will be sequestered which contributes to the effort being made by Small Island Developing States to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research, Education and Design (WIRRED) has established a Mangrove Restoration Project to restore and conserve our mangroves in the Long Pond Estuary. Through this mangrove restoration project, threatened, endangered and endemic species will be provided with a safe and vibrant habitat that can support increased biodiversity and ecosystem health. We must all do our part to protect these wetlands, because they protect us. Migratory Birds Walkers Reserve is located in the Scotland District, St. Andrew which is a Natural Heritage Conservation Area and part of the system of National Parks in Barbados. WIRRED consistently collects data to inform the development of our regeneration project at the Reserve. As a living laboratory for climate resilience, we have identified one hundred and thirty-four (134) plant species from 44 families on site, together with 31 vertebrate (including 26 species of birds), and 35 invertebrate species (including 12 insect species). Due to our regenerative practices, we see birds which have migrated from as far away as Canada, making their seasonal homes at Walkers Reserve. We continue to develop and implement mitigation measures for rescue and subsequent replanting of the rare plant species, soil stabilisation, wind reduction and replanting of plant species that support insect and other animal populations. WIRRED Walkers Institute for Regeneration, Research, Education & Design Lesser Yellowleg Photo: Richard Roach Black Skimmer Photo: Richard Roach Snowy Egret Photo: Richard Roach Le