16 April 2024
The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries on the planet. One in six species are at risk of extinction. More than 97% of our flower-rich meadows have been lost since the 1930’s, and two bumblebee species have been driven to extinction in Britain. Many others have suffered their populations plummeting to dangerously low levels. Because bumblebees are vital pollinators of wildflowers, fruits and vegetables, these declines have far-reaching implications for our countryside and our ability to produce healthy, affordable food. Pollination by bumblebees and other insects is estimated to add over £600 Million per year to our economy. We cannot afford to lose their vital services.
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust have created this manifesto to give bumblebees a political voice they lack. We aim to bring the key actions needed to save these crucial pollinators to the attention of all political parties before the next general election. The manifesto brings together the knowledge and expertise of our team, along with views sought from academic researchers focused on bumblebees. We present a series of straightforward requests relevant to decision makers in national and local governments alike.
Prioritise pollinators, not pesticides
Pesticide use is unsustainable, it damages ecosystems, and harms bumblebees and other wildlife. All political parties must commit to phasing out pesticide use in domestic and urban settings and commit to ambitious and binding reduction targets in agriculture. A key action to reduce pesticide use in agriculture is to help farmers implement integrated pest management, a decision-making system which opts for the least harmful method first. Additionally, there is an urgent need to ensure pesticide products, their co-formulants and any likely real-world combinations are properly tested to ensure they do not harm bumblebees and other key non-target animals before they make it to the market.
For further information, view our position statement on pesticide use.
Put flower-rich habitats back on the map
To be able to thrive, bumblebees and other pollinators depend on us creating bigger, better quality and more joined up flower-rich habitats. All political parties should ensure pollinator-friendly action is embedded in all land use policies from sustainable farming and land management schemes to planning initiatives such as biodiversity net gain. Empowering people and communities to create nature-friendly gardens and greenspaces should also be a priority.
Targeted support for rare species
Habitat alone is not enough for more specialised species. Our very rarest bumblebee species are on the brink and need special attention, including both surveying and focused conservation work. It is vital that funding for research and monitoring of all bumblebees is available, and for conservation management for our rarest species. Monitoring of all species is vital to detecting changes in their populations.
Go further, faster to tackle climate change
The impacts of climate change are adding to the pressures our pollinators already face. The next parliament will be key to tackling the twin nature and climate crises. All political parties need to ramp up action on climate change and implement a strategy to restore and recreate flower-rich grasslands across the UK. These habitats lock up carbon, mitigate against climate impacts and allow bumblebees and other wildlife to thrive.
For further information, view Plantlife’s Grassland Action Plan Campaign and our position statement on tree planting and woodland creation.
Better regulate the use of managed bees
Managed bees, including honeybees and commercially reared bumblebees, pose risks to our naturally occurring bumblebees and other pollinators. These risks include spreading disease and increased competition for resources. We need a strategy to ensure beekeeping activities are done sensibly and to limit commercial bumblebees from being released into the wild.
For further information, view our position statements on managed honeybees and on commercial bumblebees.
How you can help:
Talk to your local candidates ahead of the next general election about what they can do to help bumblebees.
Talk to your local council representatives about what they can do for bumblebees. If you are in Scotland, Wales or NI, where most environmental matters are devolved, you can also raise these issues with your local national representatives.
Help spread the word by sharing this manifesto.
Donate or become a member of Bumblebee Conservation Trust to help us create a world where bumblebees are thriving and valued by all.
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust is a registered charity. This manifesto has been developed to encourage policies that would benefit bumblebees and their conservation. We encourage all political parties and candidates to consider it and are open to dialogue with any current or potential policy-maker who would like further information on how they can help bumblebees.
