Wildlife

Bumblebee Welfare: Population Collapse and Conservation

Bumblebee populations have declined dramatically with two species extinct and several others at risk of loss.

Key Facts

Two species of bumblebee have become extinct in Britain in the 20th century
Great yellow bumblebee now survives only in parts of Scotland and Ireland
Shrill carder bee is critically threatened in Wales and southern England
Bumblebees are more cold-tolerant than honeybees and fly in temperatures near freezing
Commercial bumblebee colonies for greenhouse pollination can spread disease to wild populations

Welfare Considerations

Bumblebee welfare encompasses both individual suffering from pesticide exposure and population-level decline threatening colony viability. Neonicotinoid pesticides impair navigation and memory affecting foraging success and survival. Fungal pathogens spread from commercial hives infect wild populations. Loss of flower-rich habitat means queens emerging in spring cannot find sufficient food to establish colonies.

What You Can Do

Plant a succession of native flowering plants from February to November for bumblebees
Avoid all neonicotinoid pesticides in gardens and advocate for their agricultural ban
Support the Bumblebee Conservation Trust research and habitat creation work
Create undisturbed nesting habitat including tussocky grass and log piles
Participate in BeeWalk surveys that track bumblebee population trends