An initiative to help to save some of the UK's rare bumblebee species has been launched by Syngenta. A number of farmland bumblebees are perilously close to extinction due to loss of habitat. However, by developing sections of a field into a clover-rich legume area, known as a field margin, farmers can very rapidly increase populations of even rare species by providing bees with vital food sources. Such legume margins have been proven to restore habitats for endangered bumblebee species while also contributing valuable points towards Entry Level Qualification allowing farmers to qualify for agri-environment scheme points. Seed mixtures developed specifically for Operation Bumble Bee are designed to provide maximum pollen and nectar for foraging bees and insects throughout the summer.
Operation Bumble Bee builds on the proven results of the Buzz Project, for example, in Cambridgeshire, numbers of bumblebees foraging on Buzz Project legume margins increased by over 800% within two years, including an important increase in numbers of the endangered bumblebee species Bombus ruderatus.
The simplicity of Operation Bumble Bee field margins is key as the margins can be successfully created with little loss in overall field output, using existing crop establishment techniques. This has led increasing numbers of arable farmers to join the Syngenta "Operation Bumble Bee" pilot.
To help farmer's position, establish and manage the legume field margins, Syngenta has worked with environmental management experts to create a blueprint for the Operation Bumble Bee system. Training courses have also been run for farmers involved in the pilot project, with a telephone helpline and internet support available for all growers and farm advisors.
Changes to farming support, as well as demands from government and production protocols, means it is essential for growers to incorporate environmental features in their farming operations. Operation Bumble Bee will show growers and the industry how best to deliver these changes as part of a sustainable agricultural system.
For further information about the Syngenta Operation Bumble Bee pilot project please visit: www.syngenta-crop.co.uk
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