The red-tailed bilberry bumblebee, also known as the mountain bumblebee, used to be a common site in the Cumbrian fells. While it can still be seen here, it’s a rarity – just one of many species of pollinating insects that are in trouble. A new pollinator plan has been launched to urge all Cumbrians to play their part in helping to reverse the decline of our native pollinators.

Cumbria’s Plan Bee, A Pollinator Action Plan has been published by Cumbria Local Nature Partnership (CLNP), a collection of community, nature and farming groups, in partnership with the former Cumbria County Council and Natural England, and organised and led by Cumbria Wildlife Trust. The plan urges everyone in the county – communities, the new local authorities and other councils, farmers, landowners and businesses – to sign a pledge and take action to help Cumbria’s pollinating insects.

Wild bees, butterflies, hoverflies and moths play a vital role in our food production and are a key part of our natural world. However, many species are in trouble due to habitat loss, pesticide exposure, disease and climate change. The plan cites some alarming statistics:

• Since 1950, it’s estimated that the UK has lost 150,000 miles of hedgerow, 98% of flower-rich grassland and 50% of ancient woodland¹
• A third of UK bumblebees are listed as priority species of conservation concern²
• Between 1980 and 2013, a third of hoverflies and native bees in Britain experienced declines³
• 41% of British butterflies are listed as threatened⁴
• Between 1970 and 2016, 41% of moth species have decreased in abundance and 32% in distribution⁵

Cumbria’s Plan Bee sets out how we can start to reverse this trend together. In Cumbria, we have 450 miles (700km) of roadside verges – if managed well, these can provide an incredible resource for our native pollinators. We have some of the best wildflower-rich meadows and limestone habitats in the country, a track record of successful pollinator projects and a large number of farmers, landowners, businesses and communities wanting to help.

Cumbria’s Plan Bee has identified no fewer than 66 priority actions to help our pollinating insects. These range from small acts (eg building a bee hotel in your garden) to larger-scale measures, such as councils making the most of opportunities in new and existing developments to make them pollinator-friendly, and farmers considering agroforestry with small scale tree-planting, in addition to conventionally managed land.

Cumbria’s Plan Bee asks for commitments from key organisations and groups to deliver these priorities, including:

New local authorities

• Develop more and joined up wildlife-rich open spaces and green corridors in our urban areas and link them to wider habitat networks
• Work with communities to review how parks and other public land is managed, and maintain networks of pollinator habitats across public spaces
• Urgently review verge management contracts and implement new best practice

Farmers

• Maintain and create wetland features, which provide habitat for pollinator larvae
• Restore and create new wildflower-rich meadows and pastures
• Reduce use of pesticides

Businesses

• Add pollinator-friendly features to buildings and land, eg green roofs
• Survey land to assess its importance for pollinators, especially industrial or brownfield sites
• Encourage and help staff to volunteer in local pollinator projects, by providing time, training or resources

Communities

• Plant more pollinator-friendly flowers, trees and shrubs to provide pollen and nectar from March to November
• Leave some ‘untidy’ corners of your garden or allotment for pollinators to nest and overwinter in
• Encourage your local community groups, parish and town councils and schools to take action for pollinators

Environmental organisations

• Support urban pollinator projects to connect people with nature, for improved health and wellbeing
• Provide more joined-up advice for land managers, landowners and the public
• Work with local communities to increase their involvement in taking action for pollinators eg by habitat creation and joining pollinator events 

Stephen Trotter, CEO of Cumbria Wildlife Trust said:

“The statistics for species loss paint a frightening picture, especially following the topsy-turvy weather patterns of the last 12 months, but our Plan Bee sets out how together, we can start to reverse this trend.

"We’ve already seen, over many years, how working in partnership helps our wild pollinators, for instance: restoring habitat on the west coast of Cumbria by Butterfly Conservation, Workington Nature Partnership and our Get Cumbria Buzzing project has created much-needed new wildlife corridors between the colonies of small blue butterflies, boosting their recovery.

"Cumbria’s Plan Bee provides a fantastic opportunity for all of us to pledge to take action – however small – to reverse the decline of insects and to get every available piece of land working for pollinators. The plan helps us to take action for wildlife in the places that are closest and most important to us, and that’s not only important for nature's recovery - it's good for all of us and for the health, wellbeing and enjoyment of our local communities.”

Councillor Bob Kelly, Cumberland Council’s Executive Portfolio Holder for Cumberland Policy and Regulatory Services, said:

“The ‘Cumbria’s Plan Bee’ project is an excellent example of how partners can come together to promote sustainability and encourage the growth of wildlife in the region.

“The importance of pollinators cannot be overstated, and the ‘Cumbria’s Plan Bee’ project is an excellent initiative to ensure that these vital creatures are protected and encouraged to thrive.

“I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to everyone involved in this project. Your hard work and dedication are greatly appreciated and will make a real difference to the region. Keep up the great work!”