Short Haired Bumblebee Addendum

The principle aim of this project is to establish a population of B. subterraneus in the Dungeness area of Kent (where the last population was recorded) and provide sufficient habitat (through engagement with local farmers/ landowners and using agri-environment schemes incentives) for it to spread from here and form other self-sustaining populations. The project involves collecting queen bees from Sweden in early spring and, following the necessary quarantine period, releasing healthy queens at Dungeness, with subsequent monitoring of the released bees and public engagement work. This is a high profile and ambitious re-introduction project which has excellent local support and attracts considerable media interest.