BUGLIFE and Friends of the Earth are urging local authorities across the West Midlands to follow Worcestershire’s lead in becoming bee-friendly.
Britain’s population of pollinators are in need of help and it is hoped the organisations will put in place pollinator action plans.
The charities have produced a comprehensive guide for councils that include easy, cost-effective ways to restore pollinator-friendly habitats in their local areas.
Some councils have already started taking action by reducing the amount of grass cutting along roadside verges and in parks to encourage the growth of wild flowers. The move has also saved them thousands of pounds.
For example, Monmouthshire County Council has estimated that the method would save around £35,000 each year.
Friends of the West Midlands campaigner Chris Crean agreed the councils across the region have an important part to play in protecting Britain’s bees
“It’s fantastic Worcestershire County Council is developing a pollinator action plan, and other local authorities are taking steps to help our under-threat bees – but we need every council to act.”
Paul Evans, the Pollinator advisor at Buglife, added, “Although it is great to see more action being taken for pollinators there is so much more that could be done.
Local authorities need to be leading the way, both by demonstrating good practice in their parks and verge management and by enthusing and helping their local communities to take action themselves.”
For more information, contact Neil Verlander from Friends of the Earth by emailing [email protected] or on 0207 566 1649.
