RSPB Nature reserves got double billing on BBC Breakfast with the weather forecast coming from ‘Home of Springwatch’ Ynys-hir (don’t forget Springwatch starts tonight for its three week run).
Our nature reserve at Dungeness has featured in this blog more than any other site and apart from a slight case of author bias (sorry) the main reason is our long-running opposition to the extension of nearby Lydd airport.
But today we’re celebrating a milestone in the restoration of a lost bee – the short-haired bumblebee – as they are released on to our reserve, not far from where they last occurred in the UK nearly a quarter of a century ago.
But of course the key to success is not just the return of the bee – but the quality of the habitat that is there for them. We’ve been working with local farmers to ensure the right nectar-rich flowers are there in profusion.
Short-haired bumble bee going in for the nectar. Picture Dave Goulson RSPB Images
The return of the short-haired bumblebee is partnership between Natural England, the RSPB, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and Hymettus
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