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Supporting Nature-Friendly Farming

Arable margin showing an array of colourful wildflowers and hedge

At the Trust we recognise the crucial role of nature-friendly farming to conserve bumblebee populations. Bumblebees and their habitats are also vital for a sustainable agricultural and food system.

From 19 – 25 May 2025 we are celebrating and supporting Nature-Friendly Farming Week. The theme this year is ‘More than Growing Food’. As well as growing food, farmers do so much more including protecting and enhancing habitats for wildlife, supporting local communities and providing opportunities for education.

A key objective in our new Trust strategy is that ‘More agricultural land is managed in bumblebee-friendly ways’. We have created our ‘Bringing the Buzz Back to Farming’ Agricultural Action Plan which outlines the key actions we need to take to deliver this objective. Below is a summary of our main aims.

We want to ensure the needs of bumblebees and other pollinators are considered in agricultural and food policies. We aim to achieve this though continuing our vital policy work, working with our bumblebee species champions and engaging in relevant consultations.

We will continue to work alongside farmers to deliver advice to encourage action for bumblebees on farmland. We will do this though our current and future conservation projects and our knowledgeable and experienced staff. We have a knowledgeable and experienced team. In the last 12 months, 11 members of our team have completed BASIS training in Principles of Sustainable Land Management with four team members achieving the advanced Certificate level.

We will support farmers and their advisors to develop a better understanding of what they need to do to benefit bumblebees on their land. We are excited to be developing resources and guidance that outline how bumblebees and farming can work together.

Two members of staff standing in a field of tall sunflowers looking for bumblebees.

We will champion Nature-Friendly Farming by working with partners and in collaboration with others who are also championing and supporting nature-friendly farming and initiatives. Lastly, will take part in key agricultural events to promote and support nature-friendly farming. Look out for us this year at our stand at Groundswell from 2-3 July 2025.

Exciting news for farms and bumblebees

Earlier this year, our Conservation Projects Manager (South East) Dr Nikki Gammans became the first recipient of the LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) Caroline Drummond Scholarship for Innovation in Sustainability. This has enabled Nikki to continue work on developing this first bumblebee-focused farm cluster groups in the UK. The first of these will be based in the South-East. Find out more.

Person identifying bumblebee in pot before release in wildflower meadow

What can I do to support Nature-Friendly Farming?

Nature-Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) is a farmer-led organisation that champions and supports nature-friendly farmers. The Bumblebee Conservation Trust are on the NFFN advisory group. The network is also open for members of the public to join for free and register their support.

This year NFFN are asking members of the public to spread the word in the lead-up and during Nature-Friendly Farming Week and show their support for Nature-Friendly Farmers. To get involved: Like, share and comment across their social media channels. Look for and use the hashtag #NFFWeek2025

Are you a farmer? Find out what you can do to celebrate Nature-Friendly Farming week.