FROM BEE CONSERVATION — NEWS UPDATE WITH ALL THE WORK THAT IS GOING ON. MANIFESTOS ET AL.

 

view online As the year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for supporting our mission and vision to protect and nurture our beloved bumblebees. Your dedication to this cause has made an extraordinary difference, as you will see below, and together we continue to create a buzz of positive change for these charismatic insects. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, let's not forget the small yet mighty creatures that make so much of our world possible. From the food on our tables to the flowers that brighten our lives, bumblebees work tirelessly, often unseen, to sustain the balance of nature. Through your support, we’ve been able to work with others to restore habitats, enthuse and inspire communities, and ensure a brighter future for these remarkable insects. Looking ahead to 2025 we have exciting plans to expand our conservation efforts and spread awareness about the critical role bumblebees play in our eco-systems. We couldn't do this without you, and we're grateful you're part of this journey. From myself, all the staff and the Board of Trustees, have a relaxing and peaceful Christmas with your family and friends. Bee safe and continue to spread love like pollen. Gill Perkins, CEO Bumblebee Conservation Trust

2024 bumblebee round-up In January, we published a new evidence-based statement to set out our position on tree planting and woodland creation in the UK. The UK has significant legally binding ambitions to increase tree cover in response to the climate and nature emergencies. We support these ambitions; however, we are raising awareness about the potential dangers to bumblebees if we get mass woodland creation wrong. Tree planting and woodland creation statement 🌳 In February, our West Country Buzz project concluded after five years. The project has worked across North Devon creating habitat, providing bespoke advice to landowners and farmers, working with local communities and raising awareness. We’ve surveyed and monitored bumblebees, including the scarce Brown-banded carder bumblebee (Bombus humilis), which has nationally important populations in Devon. Wrap up West Country Buzz video 📽️ In March, we re-launched our 'Manifesto for Bumblebees' to give bumblebees the political voice they lack in the run up to the general election in July 2024. We wanted to bring the key actions needed to save these crucial pollinators to the attention of all political parties. A Manifesto for Bumblebees 🐝 In April, in collaboration with Walsall Council, we installed an artwork sculpture trail at Reedswood Park in celebration of our Bee Inspired project. The project, which concluded this December, supported local volunteers to take action for bumblebees, as well as leaving a lasting green legacy for these urban habitats, ensuring a brighter future for bumblebees and the communities they live amongst. Legacy project trail 📰 In May, we were awarded a silver-gilt medal for our Diversity is Queen exhibit 🐝at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. In partnership with our incredible design and build team Ground Control, our exhibit showcased the value of diversity in nature and how various habitats support our common and scarcest bumblebees. Chelsea Flower Show 2024 🥈 In June, our new project 'Moss carder bees of Cornwall' was underway. Two key sites have been identified at Penhale and Gwithian to better understand why the Moss Carder bumblebee (Bombus muscorum) is declining and not responding well to our habitat interventions already in place. Moss carder bees of Cornwall 🐝 In July, we announced our BeeWalk scheme received its millionth bee sighting, a Tree bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum), spotted near Glossop, Derbyshire in late June 🐝 BeeWalk is our standardised bumblebee-monitoring scheme which is active across Britain, recording the abundance of each bumblebee species seen between March and October. BeeWalkers count one million bees 📰 In August, people asked where have all the bumblebees gone? Initial BeeWalk data revealed the Red-tailed bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius) has been significantly affected this year, more so than any other common bumblebee. Science Manager Dr Richard Comont addressed these concerns. Where have all the bumblebees gone? 📝 In September, one of the UK’s rarest species of bumblebee - the Shrill carder (Bombus sylvarum) - was spotted on a small holding in Kent thanks to dedicated work in improving its habitat. The bumblebee, which was last recorded in this region in 2012, was discovered by Bumblebee Conservation Trust volunteer, Clare Marshall. Rediscovery of rare bumblebee brings hope 💚 In October, we were delighted to report that the management regime recommendations delivered under our ambitious 'Making a Buzz for the Coast' project (2018-2021) have been a great success at Foreness Point!  Success at Foreness Point 🌊 In November, we were delighted to announce that you had raised £46,487 by giving to our cash appeals, and over £12,000 by making a purchase through our online shop. We have also welcomed over 900 new members to the Trust this year. Membership options 💌

Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Registered Charity No: 1115634 / Scottish Charity No: SC042830. © 2024 Bumblebee Conservation Trust. All rights reserved. You are receiving this newsletter because you are already a member, subscribed via our website, an event or when becoming a volunteer. We hope you enjoy reading it! Registered address: International House, 109-111 Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8JA; Correspondence address: Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Beta Centre, Stirling University Innovation Park, Stirling FK9 4NF Unsubscribe