Decline in Bee Numbers Could Spell Disaster for Wildlife

This year, natural populations of bumble bees are in sharp decline across the world. This drop in numbers has been attributed to the varroa mite and an extremely wet summer and autumn, as well as the widespread use of herbicides and increased intensity of farming.

Wild bees are vital for the survival of many species of plants – acting as pollinators of flowers as well as crops. Without bees, the whole ecology of the countryside could grind to a halt as many species of wild plants are entirely dependent on bees for their pollination and survival.

In response to this bee crisis, Northumberland Wildlife Trust has extended its grasslands appeal in the hop that protecting a number of the region’s grasslands they will be able to offer protected, undisturbed nesting sites with a diversity of nectar and pollen-rich plants.

Steve Lowe, Head of Conservation at Northumberland Wildlife Trust said: “As conservation we are very concerned about the decline in the region’s bee populations. They are vital for pollination and if the crisis is not addressed, the price of a great number of food products apart from honey will rocket.”

Northumberland Wildlife Trust has been a charity partner of the People’s Postcode Lottery since 2007. The lottery is a proud and keen supporter of the charity and allows its donations to be spent in the way that the charity thinks will have the most impact. People’s Postcode Lottery players will continue to raise funds for NWT throughout 2009.