September is a critical time for wildlife as species prepare for the colder months. Many birds migrate while other animals, like squirrels, gather food for winter. For bumblebees, it's the end of their active season, when workers and males naturally die off and new queens go into hibernation. However, some bumblebee queens decide to set up a nest at this time of year meaning that workers and males might be seen through the winter. These winter-active bumblebees, usually Buff-tailed bumblebees, can be seen foraging on Mahonia and other winter-flowering plants, so planning your planting now is vital.
This month we bring you news of one of the UK's rarest species of bumblebee, not seen in south Kent for over a decade, which has been rediscovered on a small holding following dedicated conservation efforts! This exciting find goes to show that everyone can make a difference when it comes to helping our bumblebees thrive.
September 'Q&BEE' 🐝Q. In the past week, I've noticed a lot of bees on the short grass in my garden. They're orangey brown with stripes. They're not bumblebees and look a little like honeybees but are living in little tunnels in the soil. What are they?
A. The bee you describe sounds like a type of solitary bee called an Ivy bee (Colletes hederae). Although they are solitary, with each female laying eggs in her own underground tunnel, they can nest close to each other in large numbers.
Ivy bees are not interested in people and are only active for a few weeks in the autumn. The males emerge first and hover around, waiting for females so they can mate with them. Several males can pounce on one female, creating a ‘mating ball’ which can be quite a spectacle to see. Their active period coincides with the flowering of their main food source, ivy, which gives them their common name.
You can read discover more about Ivy bees👇
Rediscovery of rare bumblebee brings hope to South Kent 🙌One of the UK’s rarest species of bumblebee - the Shrill carder - has been 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 Claire Marshall, foraging on wildflower habitat that has carefully been restored over the past three years.
Dr Nikki Gammans, Southeast England Conservation Project Manager, said "This is a conservation success story in a terrible year for the UK’s bumblebees".
We were delighted to gain coverage on the BBC news website and feature on the evening news of BBC South East. 📽️ Watch the recording below. Can road verges in Caithness be the key to the survival of the Great Yellow bumblebee? 🛣️Knowledge of how to ensure the survival of one of the UK’s rarest bumblebees – the Great Yellow – has been boosted as road verge surveys in Caithness have highlighted their importance in connecting one of the last remaining mainland populations of this iconic species.
The Great Yellow bumblebee (Bombus distinguendus) is so rare that just five populations areas remain in the UK, all of which are in Scotland. The remaining fragments of the mainland population are in urgent need of attention as they continue to decline.
Supported by Highland Titles, the work was carried out last year, which has revealed significant potential for habitat improvement.
The Trust are now recommending significant changes to the current road verge management regime, requiring the purchase of new machinery which will cut the verge and collect the cut vegetation at the same time. This type of habitat management has multiple benefits to biodiversity and the economy. Garden surprise to buzzing paradiseAre you looking for planting inspiration? Then look no further!
When Les Moore and his wife moved house in May, they inherited this large rowing boat that had lain rotting for years in the garden. Les has a huge passion for gardening and a love for bumblebees. He set to work transforming the rowing boat into a 'bee boat'. With a little creativity and a lot of love, this boat is now a haven for bumblebees and other pollinators. 🌷🌼🐞🦋
Les said, "All the flowers are intended to feed the bumblebees. Antirrhinums which are nearly done, but nasturtiums have taken over for the long-tongued bumblebees. Dahlias are still doing well along with calendula, lavender and geranium for the shorter-tongued species. The calendula were from seeds that I’d collected last year for the main part of the garden. I found some in my pocket and threw them into the boat as I walked past!"
You too can create much needed habitat for bumblebees. Visit our #BeeTheChange page for ideas.🌻 | 
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