Lydia Needle: Contemporary Textile Artist and Founder of Fifty Bees CIC

Lydia Needle is a Somerset-based artist specializing in contemporary textile art and mixed media, best known for her ambitious and long-running project, Fifty Bees CIC. Her work primarily utilizes needle felting and wool embroidery to explore themes of environmental conservation and the intricate interconnectedness of natural ecosystems. Through the Fifty Bees project, Lydia Needle creates detailed, small-scale sculptures of diverse British bee species, often collaborating with other artists to contextualize these species within their specific habitats and ecological niches. Recently established as a Community Interest Company, Lydia Needle's practice has expanded to include educational outreach and the development of a permanent collection of bee species intended for public engagement and exhibition. Her work serves as a bridge between the arts and environmental science, using the tactile and approachable medium of textiles to foster deeper public awareness regarding pollinator decline and biodiversity loss. By blending traditional craft techniques with modern ecological advocacy, Lydia Needle provides a unique perspective on the fragility of the natural world and the essential role of community participation in conservation efforts.