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Bee plans unveiled

New plans aimed at increasing the numbers of bees and other pollinators in Wales will be launched today. The Welsh Government’s draft plan is partly in response to falling bee and other pollinator populations in the last 30 years.

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Bee plan welcomed as showing 'real leadership'

Bee populations have been in decline in the UK for the last 30 years Credit: Boris Roessler/DPA

Friends of the Earth Cymru have welcomed proposals to support the Welsh bee population.

Gareth Clubb said the plan "is very welcome and shows real leadership."

He added though that "the power to ban pesticides lies in Westminster, not Cardiff Bay, and the Welsh Government must discuss devolution of these controls immediately if we are to have decent protection for Welsh bees."

Friends of the Earth Cymru argued that the UK Government must "follow the forward-thinking Welsh Government’s lead with a Bee Action Plan – and support restrictions on neonicotinoid pesticides linked to bee decline."

Bee population plan to improve environment for Welsh bees

Suggested actions set out in the Welsh Government's proposals include:

  • Ensuring farming schemes support land management practices that protect pollinators
  • Revising guidance to National Parks and Areas of Outstanding National Beauty so that their land management better supports populations
  • Ensuring and supporting the provision of green spaces and allotments
  • Promoting pollinator friendly gardening
  • Working with stakeholders to monitor the use of pesticides; and considering any new evidence and bans introduced.
  • Working with schools to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators and pollinator friendly gardening
  • Issuing best practice guidance to local authorities to support pollinator friendly practices
  • Promoting pollinator friendly advice to farmers via the Farming Connect programme and through Gwlad magazine.

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Bee population decline 'will continue'

The Natural Resources Ministers says that despite work to support bee populations for the last 30 years, the 'trend will continue' if prompt action isn't taken.

Launching a new strategy to support 'pollinator' populations, Alun Davies said that the UK bee population has an estimated impact of £430million every year.

There has been a great deal of interest in our work to protect pollinator populations in Wales. The draft action plan sets out our vision for the best way forward and I would urge anyone with an interest to consider the content of the plan and feed back their comments.**

Pollinators are vital to our future health and well being so it is important that we all work together to get this plan right.**

– Alun Davies AM, Natural Resources Minister

Plan to keep Welsh bees busy

Pollinators have been in decline for 30 years. Credit: Frank Rumpenhorst/DPA/Press Association Images

New plans aimed at increasing the numbers of bees and other pollinators in Wales will be launched today.

The Welsh Government’s draft plan is partly in response to an assessment which showed bee and other pollinator populations have been in steady decline across the UK for the last 30 years.

It says that poses a real threat to Wales’ wildlife and could impact on food production capacity.

The plan will go out to consultation.

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