Short-haired bumblebee reintroduction project

The Short-haired bumblebee (Bombus subterraneus) is native to the UK and was once widespread across the south of England, occurring as far north as Humberside. Post-1950s its population distribution became isolated and patchy. Its decline was almost certainly the result of the loss of the species-rich grassland habitats on which it depends. It was last recorded near Dungeness in 1988 and was declared extinct in 2000.

The Short-haired bumblebee reintroduction project aimed to reintroduce this lost species to the UK, raise awareness of bumblebee and flower meadow declines, increase resident rare bumblebee populations, and recreate and give advice on managing and maintaining flower-rich areas. The project ran from 2009 to 2022 and worked with farmers, conservation groups, smallholders and other landowners to create flower-rich habitat within the release area of Dungeness and Romney Marsh in Kent and East Sussex.

2019 marked 10 years of the project, and a celebration was held to mark a decade of work in the area. The precise reason for the species’ extinction isn’t known for sure, but decreasing areas of suitable habitat were thought to have played a major role. Creating much needed habitat was a key aim for the project. Today landowners and farmers are looking after 2,460 hectares and are still receiving advise from the project.

Monitoring over the project has shown that several species of rare bumblebees have increased as a result of the project’s interventions.

The three rare bumblebee species most frequently encountered in the project area (Bombus muscorum, Bombus humilis, and Bombus ruderatus) all show a trend towards increased abundance on sites where the project has carried out habitat advice and planting.  The nationally rare Ruderal bumblebee has increased most significantly, and Dungeness is now one of the best places in the country for the species as a result of the project’s work. All three rare bumblebee species have been recorded returning to areas where they had not been seen for up to 25 years.

Project volunteers and staff at the 10 year celebration event

 

Further reading material

Partners

Natural England and RSPB.

Funding

We would like to thank the following funders for supporting this project over the years: Natural England, RSPB, Royal Entomological Society, IBRA, Roger de Haan Charitable Trust, Miss Betty Liebert, Hawthorn Trust, John Lewis and the many supporters who have donated through local fundraising activities.

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