The Secret Life Of Bees | Preview (5)

A stunning two-part series that looks at various aspects of the 270 bee species in the UK. From the industrious honeybee to the bold bumble bee, we look at the history, science and habitats of these extraordinary insects – and we examine the impact they have on our lives and imagine what a world without bees could look like.

In the first episode, Steve Backshall visits King Charles III's bees at Highgrove and gets some tips on how to look after his own bees from the King’s own beekeeper, Steve Benbow.

Local beekeeper Lauren Coles then delivers Steve’s new honeybee colony in the back of her car, but it’s not long before Steve’s 'Backshall Beetopia' has trouble with its Queen and he has to go in search of a new one.

Bee scientist Professor Lars Chittka attempts to see if honeybees can work as a team and the camera crew capture the behaviour for the first time on film. We discover how city bees are just as happy as countryside bees with visits to the rooftop of the Lancaster hotel and Blackfriars station in London.

Bristol-based veteran wildlife cameraman Martin Dohrn takes us on an incredible journey into the lives of the wild bees in his garden, Steve introduces his wife - Olympic rower Helen Glover - and children to the pleasures of beekeeping and Martha Kearney tastes honey from around the world.

The Secret Life Of Bees begins Thursday 22nd May on 5.