Sunday, 19th October 2008
MEP says Earthwatch debate should focus minds on future of bumblebees
Speaking ahead of tonight’s Earthwatch debate at the Royal Geographical Society (in London), Scots Tory MEP Struan Stevenson said we all had responsibility for saving the bumblebee.
Mr Stevenson said:
“I have become increasingly concerned about the future of our bumblebees and the threat to our whole eco-system and I welcome the opportunity presented at tonight’s debate to focus minds on what we can do to reverse the trend.
“As individuals the simplest and most effective measure we could take would be to sow the right type of plants in our gardens to provide the valuable nectar that bees require. Anyone with a garden, or window box can do this and help to save the bumblebee.
“Farmers could be rewarded under existing environmental programmes and rural stewardship schemes, for doing the same thing.
“By sowing small strips of land with crops such as the exotic flower Phacelia, together with Borage, Charlock, Wild White Clover and other nectar-rich plants, we could create a haven not only for bees but for birds and other animals and insects. Small strips of land sown with these relatively cheap seeds would benefit not only bees but our whole ecosystem.
“The loss of bees is not just a problem for beekeepers but for the whole world. Probably the most fundamental link in the food chain, the honey bee is fast becoming the weakest. “
