One of the fantastic organisations supported by EOCA in 2010 was the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, with a project aimed at supporting and expanding wild flower meadows along the Pembrokeshire coastal path. They have just issued some guidelines to encourage people to create bumblebee nests in their gardens to help them further.
The plight of the bumblebee has resulted in a gradual decrease in population over recent years. As the core pollinators to many of our landscapes, responsible for much of our wildflowers and meadows, their struggle results in a vicious circle. Whilst the bees' core need is for the flowering plants and a habitat in which they can flourish, their need for a reliable nest and somewhere to regroup is becoming just as important, especially with changes in agricultural practises affecting much of their natural habitat.
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust have teamed up with Hartley Botanic to create this informative how-to guide on how you can help to reduce the declining bumblebee population by building your own nest for these much adored insects. Using only a few pieces of household equipment and finding the perfect spot, you can be a part of reintroducing high numbers of bumblebees into the landscape once again.
Have a look at http://www.hartley-botanic.co.uk/growing-tips/diy-bumble-bee-nest to see if you can join in!
