Operation Bumble Bee

There has been a 70% decline in bumblebee numbers over the past 30 years, primarily bumblebee species living on farmland. One of the 20 species has been lost completely. 6 species are at precariously low populations. 3 are categorised as “on the verge of extinction”.

The plight of the bumblebee is directly linked to the loss of its pollen and nectar food sources. Changes in farm policy have led to 97% reduction in grass/clover leys across the UK.

The bumblebee is nature’s pollinator – for crops and wild flowers and we can help them. Bumblebees respond incredibly quickly if you put back the food sources.

Bumblebees are key indicator species – a healthy bumblebee population indicates other insects will be doing well too. Restoring the fortunes of the bumblebee is a great PR opportunity for farmers. Helping the bumblebee helps butterflies and other insects that thrive on pollen and nectar.

Operation Bumblebee demonstrates that profitable farming and a vibrant countryside can sit side by side. Farmers can help by putting the habitat back to provide food and shelter; pollen and nectar are the building blocks for biodiversity. They can manage habitats specifically to generate the greatest environmental benefit. Managed Operation Bumblebee habitats will generate a very rapid increase in diverse flora and fauna.

Operation Bumblebee means to work with 1000 farmers throughout the UK using a pollen and nectar seed mix and this will make a significant and sustainable difference to bumblebee populations. Farmers’ experiences in the Operation Bumblebee pilot project during 2005 have shown huge benefits can be achieved.

This is an article aimed at farmers but I am sure we as Smallholders can help in our own way by leaving some areas to regenerate naturally and by planting specific plants and flowers to help the bumblebee along