Our aims
The Bumblebee
Conservation Trust was set up because of concerns
about the 'plight of the bumblebee'. In the last 70 years two species have become nationally extinct and several others declined dramatically. We aim to prevent further declines, and
to raise awareness of the problems bumblebees face. We now have
over 7,000 members ranging from enthusiastic and concerned amateurs
right through to internationally renowned research scientists. All of us share a
common affection for these lovely insects and a desire to see their fortunes improve.
We have a vision for a different future, in which our towns and countryside are rich in colourful wildflowers and teeming with bees, other beneficial insects and a diversity of wildlife for everyone to enjoy. Help us to make it happen....
Our work to help bumblebees includes:
Conservation
- Working with politicians, statutory agencies and other NGO's championing the cause of bumblebees and developing sustainable agricultural policies
- Promoting wildlife-friendly gardening throughout the UK
- Encouraging farmers to enter into agri-envionrment schemes and allow wildlife back onto farms
- Improving habitats and land management in sensitive areas to protect threatened species
- Campaigning against developments that threaten important habitats
- Highlighting the potentially harmful use of non-native bees for pollination and campaigning for better safeguards
- Advising landowners and reserve wardens on conservation issues
- Participating in and funding high-quality scientific research to underpin our conservation policies
- Engaging with the UK Biodiversity Action Plan process, and driving forward with action to benefit biodiversity
- Providing expert advice on all aspects of bumblebee ecology and conservation
- Establishing both distribution and relative abundance surveys which reach out to a wide audience
Education
Running events and training days so that people can learn more about bumblebees and how to help them- Our bumblebee education pack has been well received by over 100 Scottish schools - we hope to soon secure funding to produce educational materials for the whole of the UK
- Our newsletter is full of interesting facts and information and reaches a growing membership over over 6,000
- Giving talks and running events for interested groups and schools
- Maintaining an interactive website which provide information on everything from bumblebee declines, and how you can help through to gardening and providing nest sites for bumblebees and much more
Please join today and help to make things change...
