The Trust
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust is a science-led, UK based charity established in 2006 because of serious concerns about the ‘plight of the bumblebee’.
Founded by Professor Dave Goulson, it is the only UK charity dedicated to conserving bumblebees. The Trust works across the UK inspiring everyone to help our precious wild bumblebees survive and thrive.
Our vision
A world where bumblebees are thriving and valued by everyone.
Our mission
Bumblebees are in crisis. We are leading the fight to secure their future. Guided by the latest science we carry out research, influence environmental policy and conserve and create bumblebee friendly habitats. We inspire people and organisations to take action for our precious bumblebees, working together to help them thrive.
Where we are now
Over 60 staff work for the Trust and we receive funding from individuals, businesses, lotteries and charitable trusts. We work across England, Scotland, and Wales, ranging from work to promote conservation of rare species to wider initiatives aimed at inspiring different groups to help bumblebees in their local area. We are bumblebee experts, regularly asked to comment on bumblebee science and conservation issues.
We’re building a community of people determined to ensure our bumblebees can thrive
Credit: Great Yellow bumblebee (Bombus distinguendus) by Pieter Haringsma
Our work
Since the Trust was founded we have created a national survey – BeeWalk – to monitor how the country’s bumblebees are doing.
We are inspiring a new generation to help bumblebees through our education and Bee the Change activities, and run conservation and science projects in many parts of Britain, taking practical action to help save the UK’s bumblebees.
Our aims
Aim 1 – We are the UK’s trusted experts on bumblebee populations, ecology and conservation.
Aim 2 – People and organisations, including policy makers, are inspired to champion and take action for bumblebees.
Aim 3 – There is more, better-connected, high-quality habitat for bumblebees across our cities, towns and countryside.
Aim 4 – Our threatened bumblebees are on the road to recovery and no other bumblebees become threatened.
Aim 5 – We are an impactful, inclusive, bold and sustainable organisation.