The Monmouthshire Meadows Group Autumn newsletter contains an important piece by Dr Nicola Bradbear, director of Bees for Development, on the frightening effects of neonicotinoid pesticides on wildlife.
Join Plantlife’s call to manage roadside verges better for wildlife.
The buff tailed bumblebee has been voted Britain’s favorite insect!
Experts have warned that one third of Ireland’s bee species are threatened with extinction, partly due to the decline in wildflower meadows. According to conservationists, 98% of this species-rich habitat has disappeared in the last 50 years.
An unusual solution has been provided by spending cuts which left many roadside verges uncut over the summer. In County Fermanagh and Omagh in County Tyrone, a dozen verges were managed as wildlife corridors by Ulster Wildlife. A small strip was cut to keep sightlines clear for motorists, but allowed the wildflowers which attracted bees and insects to grow.
See the BBC report for full details:-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-34285859
Bee Friendly Monmouthshire 