New research by the University of Reading reveals the true extent of the threat facing some of Britain’s most iconic bee species. The Great Yellow Bumblebee has disappeared from 80% of its old habitat. The Potter Flower Bee is only clinging on in a handful of sites along the South coast. The North West now supports the only English population of the rare and declining Wall Mason Bee. And many other species are in serious danger.
Britain needs its bees
On 16th May scientists will be presenting their findings directly to MPs. It’s essential that as many MPs attend as possible because it’s our chance to persuade them to become bee champions themselves.
Please urge your MP to attend the event on 16 May – and make them a bee champion
Leading bee expert from the University of Reading, Professor Simon Potts, said: “The way we farm and use land across the UK has pushed many rare bees into serious decline. I’m calling on the Government to act swiftly to save these iconic creatures which are essential to a thriving environment and our food supply”.
Wall Mason Bee
This event could persuade your MP to become a real champion for a Government Bee Action Plan.
Thank you again to everyone who helped secure the landmark ban of some of the worst bee-harming pesticides. But this report shows that the threat to bees goes beyond pesticides – with habitat loss and disappearing food highlighted as two of the biggest causes of plummeting populations.
Best wishes,
Lucy and the Bee Cause team
#BeeCause
1.The full Reading University report about the Large Garden Bumblebee here http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/briefings/bees_north_west.pdf
2. The Friends of the Earth’s briefing on a proposed Bee Action Plan is here: http://bit.ly/BeeActionPlan
3. Friends of the Earth’s The Bee Cause campaign is calling on the Prime Minister to commit to a National Bee Action Plan, and supporting individuals to make change in their gardens and communities to help bees. To support the call to David Cameron and find out what else you can do to help bees, visit The Bee Cause webpage www.foe.co.uk/bees.
4.Friends of the Earth’s call for a Bee Action Plan is backed by over 170 MPs, The Co-operative Group, The Women’s Institute, B&Q and many others. See the full list here: http://www.foe.co.uk/what_we_do/our_bee_cause_allies_39436.html
5.For further advice on plants suitable for helping pollinating insects go to http://www.rhs.org.uk/Gardening/Sustainable-gardening/Plants-for-pollinators
