Protecting Pollinators,
Nurturing Nature
Bumblebees are more than a symbol of summer — they are the quiet engine behind a healthy natural world. From the food on our plates to the wildflowers in our hedgerows, their tireless work underpins life as we know it.
Yet bumblebee populations across the UK and beyond are under increasing pressure. Habitat loss, changes in land use, and shifting seasonal patterns have all contributed to a significant decline in both the number of bumblebee species and their overall abundance. Several species that were once commonplace are now classed as rare, and some have disappeared from large parts of the country entirely.
At Bumblebee CT, we believe that understanding is the first step towards meaningful action. By learning how bumblebees live, how they forage, and what they need to thrive, we can all make small but impactful changes — in our gardens, on our balconies, and in the green spaces around us.
What We're Working On
Habitat Restoration
We champion the creation of bee-friendly habitats — from wildflower meadows to hedgerow corridors — that give bumblebees the food and shelter they need throughout the year.
Education & Awareness
Through guides, events, and community outreach, we help people of all ages understand why pollinators matter and what simple steps can make a real difference.
Species Monitoring
Careful observation of bumblebee populations helps build a clearer picture of which species are declining and where targeted support is needed most.
Community Action
Local involvement is at the heart of everything we do. We work alongside gardeners, farmers, schools, and local groups to create greener, more pollinator-friendly communities.
The Bigger Picture
Bumblebees are generalist foragers, visiting a huge variety of flowering plants over the course of a season. This makes them uniquely valuable in both natural and agricultural settings. Many crops — including tomatoes, soft fruits, and beans — are pollinated far more effectively by bumblebees than by other insects, thanks to a technique called buzz pollination, where the bee vibrates its flight muscles to release pollen from flowers.
Beyond the economic value of pollination, bumblebees are a key part of a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem. The wildflowers they pollinate support other insects, birds, and small mammals. When bumblebee numbers fall, the effects ripple outwards through the food chain in ways that are difficult to fully predict — but impossible to ignore.
The encouraging news is that many of the pressures facing bumblebees can be addressed. Creating more wildflower-rich spaces, reducing unnecessary pesticide use, and supporting a connected patchwork of green habitats can all help bumblebee populations recover. Change doesn't require grand gestures — even a small patch of garden left to grow a little wilder can provide vital resources for local bumblebees.
🌱 Did you know? A single bumblebee queen can visit up to 6,000 flowers in a single day during peak foraging season, covering distances of more than a mile from her nest.
Ready to Make a Difference?
There are many ways to support bumblebees — from planting bee-friendly flowers to taking part in local surveys. Discover how you can help.