Bees are buzzing this spring

8 Apr 2020 02:36
Published by: Scott Callan

 

WHILE we are all sitting at home, wildlife is just getting on with its spring preparations.

And bees are looking bigger and busier at this time of year, according to Ben Hargreaves, ‘Plan Bee’ project officer at the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside.

He says: “With the slightly warmer and much calmer weather there has been a noted abundance of bees around.

“Many of these bees can be seen in your garden and, if you have seen really big bumblebees, they are likely to be queens, who will be visible now but likely to spend the rest of summer in the nest.”

Ben adds: “Brockholes Nature Reserve near Preston has had the small sallow mining-bee which is not a common Lancashire species.

“Also, the more common generalist mining-bees - buffish mining-bee, Gwynne's mining-bee and chocolate mining-bee – might be seen in your garden.

“Gardens are also as likely as anywhere to observe tawny and ashy mining-bees - the former is happy to nest on level ground so particularly favours lawns and borders.”

The trust says most people would not realise the sheer variety of insects they have in their garden and they can help these pollinators by providing them with flowers and herbs that attract them.

The Wildlife Trust is keen to hear or see any bee sightings @Lancswildlife

 

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