Community rallies to face Bettyhill bumblebee emergency

The Great Yellow bumblebee (Bombus distinguendus) was once widespread throughout Great Britain. Habitat loss, however, has driven its decline and it can now only be found in northern Scotland in Orkney, Sutherland and Caithness, and some of the Hebridean islands. The Farr Glebe meadow has long been a stronghold for the Great Yellow bumblebee, but in 2024 the local rabbit population sored, and the wildflowers were eaten off, leaving nothing for the bees to feed from. It is hoped that the Great Yellow has managed to cling on in local gardens, but its continued presence in Bettyhill is precarious.

Species on the Edge, a Scotland-wide endangered species conservation programme, and High Life Highland Countryside Rangers are joining forces at a public meeting on Saturday 8^th February 2025 at Farr Edge 2000, Bettyhill, to galvanise community action for the rare bumblebee.  

The event, which is open to everyone, will run from 11am until 12.30pm and will consist of presentations about the pressures facing bumblebees nationally and at the Farr Glebe bumblebee meadow in Bettyhill. There will be opportunities to ask questions and join the discussion about what work can be done locally to protect this rare species. Refreshments will be provided.

With bright yellow and black markings, this distinctive rare bumblebee needs extensive meadows and other open, flowery habitats to survive. Over the winter, volunteers built several rabbit escape tunnels - a one-way system allowing rabbits to safely exit the site - which were installed alongside rabbit-proof fencing at the Farr Glebe meadow. The February meeting will allow the planning of further community action to help ensure the survival of Bettyhill’s special bumblebees.

Paul Castle, High Life Highland Countryside Ranger for Caithness and Sutherland, said: ‘Community involvement has been the mainstay of the Farr Glebe success story for over twenty years. The enthusiasm and help of countless people, from school pupils to adults, has helped this wildflower meadow to thrive. The rabbit overgrazing in 2024 is by far the gravest issue we have faced at Farr Glebe. We know with everyone’s help, Farr Glebe and the surrounding area can continue to provide a safe haven for our local pollinators, particularly the Great Yellow bumblebee. Once again, we kindly ask our local community to step-up and be part of the solution.’

Louise Senior, People Engagement Officer for Species on the Edge, said: ‘There is a real buzz in the air about bumblebees: people care about protecting them, but often feel at a loss as to what they can do to help. This gathering is about turning that enthusiasm into practical action, figuring out small steps that individuals can take, and finding ideas for community action.’

This event takes place just ahead of the BeeWalk season – the six months of the year when volunteers across Britain undertake monthly local bumblebee surveys. Sarah Bird, Project Officer for Species on the Edge, said: ‘The data collected by BeeWalk volunteers is critical to understanding how our bumblebees are doing. We’re looking for survey volunteers who can spend a few hours once a month between March and October monitoring bees close to their home. Full training and support is available to volunteers through the BeeWalk scheme.’ You can find out more about the BeeWalk scheme at Beewalk.org.uk, or join the community meeting at Farr Edge 2000 to speak to us about how to get involved.

For more information about the event, or for a chat about how to get involved in work to protect Great Yellow bumblebees in Caithness and Sutherland, please contact Louise Senior, People Engagement Officer for Species on the Edge: louise.senior@plantlife.org.uk