Message from the Executive Director

BNT’s annual Palm Sunday Walk goes ahead Rain, Blow or Shine – and it certainly was a wild one this year! Despite the chilly winds, hundreds turned out to enjoy the route which took in Boaz Island, Ireland Island South, Somerset Village, Somerset Long Bay and BNT’s properties at Springfield and Gilbert Nature Reserve. Many thanks to all those who took part and supported, and especially to the wonderful group of volunteers on the day.

Walkers during the Palm Sunday Walk 2026

BNT Awards - Call for Nominations

The deadline for BNT Award nominations is coming up fast on 10 April. This is a great opportunity to make sure that individuals and organisations doing good work in the fields of natural and cultural heritage receive the recognition they deserve. Please take the time to consider who you might put forward and then send in the nomination form.

Click here to download the Annual Awards nomination form.

Please let us know who you think deserves an award!

Natural Heritage Updates

Myles Darrell, Head of Natural Heritage

Be Alert: Red Imported Fire Ants Found in Bermuda

The invasive Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA) (Solenopsis invicta) was detected in Bermuda last year and poses a serious threat to our environment, agriculture and public health.

The ants were first reported at a private residence in Hamilton Parish in November 2025, with a second colony discovered at the cargo dock in the City of Hamilton shortly afterwards. Staff at the Department of Natural Resources treated both sites, but there is concern that additional, unreported colonies may still exist.

RIFA are aggressive ants known for their painful stings, which can cause severe reactions in some individuals. They typically build dome-shaped mounds in open, sunny areas and will swarm quickly when disturbed.

Why this matters:

They threaten native wildlife and ecosystems
They can damage crops and outdoor spaces
Their stings pose risks to people and pets

What you can do:

Be on the lookout for unusual ant mounds or aggressive ant activity
Avoid disturbing suspected nests
Report any sightings immediately - fireants@gov.bm

Early detection is critical. Eradication is only possible if colonies are found and destroyed before they spread.

For guidance on how to identify RIFA, visit:

Red Imported Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta) | Government of Bermuda

Remembering Barry Phillips

The Bermuda National Trust was saddened to learn of the passing of Barry Phillips, a horticulturist whose work helped shape Bermuda’s landscapes and inspire a generation of plant enthusiasts.

Although not Bermudian by birth, Barry made a lasting contribution to the Island during the 11 years he worked at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Parks. Many will remember him as the driving force behind the memorable “Plant One on Me” Bermuda cedar campaign, which encouraged residents to help restore the island’s iconic cedar trees. He also established the Department’s horticultural apprenticeship scheme in 1977, giving young Bermudians the opportunity to build careers in horticulture through hands-on training.

For many of us working in conservation today, Barry was a mentor whose enthusiasm for plants and landscapes was infectious.

To honor Barry’s contribution to Bermuda, BNT will plant a tree in his memory, a fitting tribute to someone who inspired so many others to do the same.

Cultural Heritage Updates

Dr Charlotte Andrews, Head of Cultural Heritage

Return to Smith's Island

This summer, Dr Michael Jarvis and his team return to Smith’s Island in St George’s Harbour to continue excavations at what is believed to be Bermuda’s first English town, established in 1612 before settlement shifted to St George’s.

The 2026 field season will focus on the Smallpox Bay site, where earlier work has revealed postholes, structural features and early 17th century artefacts. This season aims to fully expose at least three building footprints already identified and investigate additional structures indicated by geophysical survey. This work will help clarify how the island’s first town was laid out and inhabited.

The team will also excavate north of Oven Site (a 17th century kitchen outbuilding) to locate the residence allotted to the captain of Smith's Fort, in use from c. 1615 to around 1712. Together, these two sites provide insights into the transference of English culture to a new colonial maritime environment (1612 First Town Site) and a century of “Bermudianisation” as English, African and Native American cultural elements blended over the course of five generations within the Captain’s House.

Fieldwork will take place from late May through late June 2026, with follow-on lab work into early July. Finds processing and conservation will continue with the help of volunteers at the BNT Archaeology Lab in the cellar of Globe Museum.

The project offers a range of ways to get involved and warmly welcomes Bermudians and local residents to participate. Volunteers (18+) are invited to assist with excavations on site or with finds processing in the lab — for a week or longer. For those seeking a more formal learning experience, the field school is open to all enrolled participants (not limited to University of Rochester students). Those who register may receive University of Rochester undergraduate or graduate credit as well as continuing education credit for educators where applicable.

If you are interested in joining the dig or assisting with lab work, please contact Dr. Jarvis at michael.jarvis@rochester.edu

Supporting the Field Season

The success of this season depends on community support. Key needs include:

A boat (6–8 person capacity) for daily transport (with insurance; use gifted or at a reasonable rental fee to cover costs)
Fuel and logistical support
Volunteers (one week minimum) for field or lab work
Equipment — wheelbarrows, quarter-inch mesh screen, 2x4 wood (for sifters), and the loan of a mitre saw
Monetary donations to support stipends for Bermudian educator and/or student participation

If you can assist, Dr. Jarvis would be pleased to hear from you.

Heritage Education Updates

Anna Stevenson, Heritage Education Manager

It was a wonderful month for heritage education as we welcomed the island’s littlest learners to Waterville to learn about mangroves. We timed the week-long event to coincide with the arrival of the baby spotted eagle rays and we were not disappointed as three appeared on the first day, which the children found fascinating.

We also ran a brand-new camp called Trash to Treasure. Among many activities, the children turned old wine crates into decorated organisers; we visited The Barn and the Red Cross where children purchased old clothes for upcycling, and we finished off the week designing and making cushions using old fabric. What a lot of fun!