Ideal homes for threatened bumblebees (From Smallholder)

Ideal homes for threatened bumblebees

4:40pm Monday 3rd August 2009

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New homes for bumblebees are being placed in prime locations on dairy farms this summer, as milk producers belonging to the Waitrose WildCare scheme take delivery of specially-made nesting boxes.

Bees, through their pollination of food crops contribute £165 million a year to the UK’s agricultural economy, and we are dependent on them for more than 30% of our diet. Poor summer weather, virus diseases and pests such as the varroa mite are having a dramatic negative effect on bee populations. The UK once had 27 native species of bumblebee, but three are now extinct.

To survive bees need an ample supply of high quality pollen and nectar and safe places to nest. This is why Waitrose is providing all farmers who supply milk for the essential Waitrose range with purpose-built nesting boxes. The design has been approved by bee experts at The Wildlife Trusts.

The solid wood boxes have a felt covered roof to keep out the rain, and come complete with dried shredded moss and fine wood shavings as nesting material.

Bees often nest in deserted mouse or vole holes, in south-facing sheltered spots under dense shrubs or hedges, so the boxes are being laid in suitable spots at ground level, within easy commuting distance of flowering plants.

“We are advising the farmers to place a permanent landmark, such as a light coloured stone, in front of the entrance as this will help the bees to find their way home after they have been foraging,” says Waitrose WildCare manager Tim Oliver.

“As with all nest boxes, there are no guarantees that bumblebees will take up residence, but the success rate will be higher if the boxes are well sited.”

The Waitrose WildCare scheme has been designed by experts from AB Sustain and aims to increase the amount of wildlife habitat on farms.

The participating farmers have been following a Farm Wildlife Action Plan drawn up for their farm over the past three years, agreeing to dedicate at least 10% of their dairying land to wildlife habitat. Most dedicate significantly more than this.

“This is just one of a number of wildlife-friendly initiatives we are encouraging our essential Waitrose milk suppliers to take part in this summer,” says Jane Hills, Waitrose Central Buyer for Dairy.

“As well as providing bee-boxes, we have given guidance on sowing nectar-rich flowers along the edges of fields, to provide plentiful food for butterflies and other insects. We are running a competition to see which farmer can spot the widest range of butterflies on their farm, and also conducting a survey of farmland orchids.

“In the spring we provided barn owl nesting boxes, and will be assessing how many have been occupied this autumn.”

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