Invertebrate surveys in the East Thames Corridor have revealed that this part of Essex is of national importance for bees and other insects. One of the rarest bumblebees, the shrill carder bee Bombus sylvarum (see photo), nests and forages on ‘brownfield’ sites like abandoned quarries and one purpose of the surveys has been to locate important nesting and foraging sites so that these can be conserved.
Many of the commoner bumblebee species also forage in gardens, and this resource has become increasingly important for these species as wild flowers have declined in our countyside.
The leaflet Bees Need Gardens Need Bees explains how gardeners can help native beesThat is why leaflets and posters have been produced intended to make gardeners aware of what is happening to our native bees and to tell them what they can do to help them, such as by growing good nectar plants.
The leaflets will be distributed via Essex beekeepers and garden centres, as well as by conservation groups. Please contact Essex Biodiversity Project if you would like a supply to distribute locally.
Download the Bees Need Gardens Need Bees Leaflet (PDF 399KB)