Bumblebees show preference for road-facing hedgerows as pesticides continue to damage habitats

Garden bumblebee (Bombus hortorum)The pollination service provided by bumblebees on the field-side boundaries of hedgerows may be limited because farming methods are having a negative impact on their sources of food, a study has found. Research by ecologists at Plymouth University has shown some of the most common species of bumblebees are more than twice as likely to visit flowers on the road-facing side of hedgerows compared to crop-facing boundaries. Writing in the Journal of Insect Conservation, they say this can be attributed to the pesticides and fertilisers used on crops, and they are dramatically reducing the bees’ potential habitats. Full story: Read more

Where will you ‘bee’ on 16 August?

honeybee on Euphorb#17BD220Knoll Gardens is the place to ‘bee’ on 16 August when local specialist producers will join national experts for a whole day of bee-related events and activities. Local honey will be for sale from West Moors-based Beeline Honey and the East Dorset Bee Keeping Association. Gold and Black Candles will be showing their range of 100% beeswax candles with natural wicks, and a selection of bee-friendly flowering perennials will be available at discounted prices. Full story: Read more