I know that the site is internationally important, but I’ve always been puzzled by the ‘world’s first sanctuary for bumblebees’ sign. How was this decided? Anyway, on one of the hottest days of the year I was no nearer knowing as incidental chat and discussion was limited. On a day of record temperatures across the UK the heat was stifling, even near Loch Leven in Scotland.
I had half an hour in the wildlife meadow on my own. The grasshoppers loud, and if I closed my eyes I could stretch to imagine being on the grasslands of Africa, the warm air hitting my face and the insect orchestra sounding. Knowing now that I could never go on an international flight again for holiday travel these memories were extra special when they arrived.
The world’s first bumble bee sanctuary was created in 2007. It is grazed and cut annually to provide a wildflower rich area for foraging bees. As it was airless on this mini plain the flowers stood proudly and the grasses, already yellowing, were tall. I only saw a few bees but the ones I did see were very busy bees. I heard a dog barking on the path, then a lorry passed and the peaceful moment had gone.
By Jane McKinlay, Visitor centre volunteer on Mondays.