Toby the bumblebee sniffer dog

Meet Toby, our 3 year old springer spaniel.

Why a bumblebee sniffer dog? Well, bumblebee nests are very hard to find as they are small and often hidden away underground or in dense vegetation. Toby tries to sniff them out for us!

By finding nests we can estimate local population sizes, and learn more about previously elusive aspects of bumblebee ecology. Do certain species have specific requirements? Hopefully Toby can help us find out!

At the moment Toby finds large nests, but not small newly established ones. We hope that in time he will be able to find nests when they are young so that we can follow them througout the year.

Last autumn Toby (and handler Steph!) were the stars of a lovely feature on BBC1's 'The One Show'.

Filming took place at our the bumblebee sanctuary at Vane Farm in Perth and Kinross. The meadow is a partnership between BBCT and RSPB Scotland. The film crew and energetic presenter Mike Dilger had a great day, and shot some wonderful footage.

Just a few weeks later Steph and Toby traveled down to London and appeared on BBC Breakfast. What next I wonder? Hollywood?! Watch this space...