Bettyhill great yellow bumblebee emergency community gathering
Conservation experts are joining forces to help save the rare and threatened great yellow bumblebee at Bettyhill and invite the public along to an event next month.
Louise Senior and Sarah Bird (Species on the Edge) are working with Paul Castle (High Life Highland countryside ranger) to take action on behalf of Bettyhill’s rare and threatened bumblebees.
Louise said: “The Farr Glebe meadow at Bettyhill has long been a stronghold for the great yellow bumblebee, but in 2024 the local rabbit population rocketed, and the wildflowers were eaten off, leaving nothing for the bees to feed from.
“It is hoped that the great yellow has managed to cling on in local gardens, but its continued presence in Bettyhill is precarious. Rabbit fencing has been installed at the meadow over the winter, and more coordinated action is needed to help ensure the survival of Bettyhill’s special bumblebees.”
Community involvement has been the mainstay of the Farr Glebe success story for over 20 years. The enthusiasm and help of countless people, from school pupils to adults, has helped the countryside ranger team to ensure this wildflower meadow continues to thrive.
The rabbit overgrazing in 2024 is by far the gravest issue the meadow has faced. “We know with everyone’s help, Farr Glebe and the surrounding area can continue to provide a safe haven for our local pollinators, particularly the great yellow bumblebee, so once again, we kindly ask our local community to step up and be part of the solution.
“There will be a gathering to find out who is interested in helping the bumblebees and to find out what ideas people might have.”
The gathering will take place from 11am until 12.30pm on Saturday, February 8 at Farr Edge 2000, The Hut, Bettyhill, KW14 7SS. All are welcome to attend.
The event will consist of presentations about the pressures facing bumblebees nationally and at the Farr Glebe bumblebee meadow in Bettyhill. There will be opportunities to ask questions and join the discussion about what work can be done locally to protect this rare species. Refreshments will be provided.
“We will hear from countryside ranger Paul Castle about Farr Glebe Bumblebee reserve, and Sarah Bird about pressures facing bumblebees nationally. Listen and join the discussion and bring your ideas. Let’s join forces to protect Bettyhill’s special bumblebees,” adds Louise.
For more information or to RSVP, email: louise.senior@plantlife.org.uk
You can find out more about the Bettyhill bumblebee emergency on the Species on the Edge website: www.nature.scot/scotlands-biodiversity/species-edge-sote/species-edge-about-programme
