Blenheim Palace has launched a new interactive space as it works to support bees and educate visitors about the importance of the pollinators.
The Woodstock palace's walled garden now houses the Rowse Honey Bee Hive.
It is part of an ongoing conservation project taking place between Blenheim Palace and Rowse Honey.
The collaboration has also involved the planting of wildflowers throughout the Blenheim Estate and palace gardens.
The initiative aims to attract a greater diversity of pollinators and wildlife.
The bee hive allows families to learn about bees, hedgerows, and and how they can plant the best varieties of pollinators in their own gardens.
Children have access to a workbench made from Blenheim oaks inside the hive where they can create their own miniature bees and fill in colouring sheets.
They can also climb steps to look out for pollinators in the palace's Potager Garden.
Roy Cox, managing director at Blenheim Estate, said: "The bee hive is the latest stage in our ongoing partnership with Rowse Honey, which aims to enhance and expand habitats for pollinators across the estate, creating a natural environment where wildlife can not only survive, but thrive."
He added: "In the UNESCO World Heritage Site, we are fortunate to care for part of Oxfordshire which has remained relatively untouched for centuries.
"This makes it a haven for native pollinator species, which can forage on the estate's extensive natural flora and wildflowers."
Libby Nicholson, brand manager at Rowse Honey, added: "Bees are a vital part of our natural ecosystem, pollinating around three quarters of the food crops we eat including many types of fruit, vegetables and seeds.
"However, the sad truth is that many pollinator species are in decline here in the UK, which means we need to act now."
She added: "Together with Blenheim, we're working to inspire kids and grown-ups to join us on our mission to protect bees and other pollinating insects for future generations."
"Our Rowse Bee Hive provides a fun and interactive space for visitors to learn about the important work carried out by these amazing creatures.
"Across the wider Blenheim Estate, there are also opportunities to discover the impact our Hives for Lives partnership is having on the local area, including 27 new log hives and over 50 acres of nectar-rich wildflowers for the bees to enjoy.”
Admission to the Rowse Honey Bee Hive is included within a Blenheim Palace ticket, including an annual pass or a privilege pass.
Blenheim has a range of events and exhibitions taking place this year as it celebrates 150 years since it became the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
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