SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust (BBCT) have teamed up to produce a new guide for farmers on how they can help reverse the decline of the much-needed bumblebee.
Date:
Fri, 01 Jul 2011
Source:
SAC
SAC:
website
Bumblebees play a crucial role in the pollination of vegetables, fruit and a range other crops. They are responsible for an estimated 50% to 90% of the insect pollination that contributes £440 million to farm income each year.
In addition, helping bumblebees has a knock-on positive impact on a wide range of other beneficial insects, including honeybees, butterflies, ladybirds and ground beetles.
However, bumblebee numbers have declined dramatically over the last 70 years, mainly due to the loss of flower-rich habitats that provide pollen and nectar on which they feed.
In response to this issue, SAC and the BBCT have created a new Technical Note (TN639) for farmers, offering techniques for creating flower-rich areas near to bumblebee nesting sites.
SAC conservation consultant Sandra Stewart explained: "Farmers can help play a role in reversing the decline of the bumblebee.
"The UK’s 24 bumblebee species differ in the length of their tongues. As a result they prefer different flowers on which to feed. It is therefore important to grow a range of different flowers throughout the bumblebee season from March to mid-September."
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