Bee lovers urged to take part in Thanet’s conservation drive: Making a buzz for the coast

Working with The Bumblebee Conservation Trust and others to help transform existing chalk grassland sites and boost its bumblebee population.

In 2018, Thanet District Council is working in partnership with The Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Kent Wildlife Trust the Thanet Coast Project and others to help the district transform two of its existing chalk grassland sites and boost its bumblebee population.

Work is now starting at the two areas selected: Westbrook (Undercliff Nature Park) and from Foreness Point to Botany Bay clifftop chalk grassland.

The aim of the partnership project, which receives financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund,  is to help develop the sites into places that encourage and support wildlife diversity. In particular, the focus is on creating spaces that will better help the bumblebee population to thrive along the coastline.

As home to a number of wild bumblebee species, in particular the Shrill Carder Bee, Thanet is uniquely placed to help improve their habitat and ultimately contribute to their future security.

Critical to the project will be the ability to measure success – the Bumblebee Conservation Trust is calling on local people with a passion for conservation to get involved. Participation could include learning to identify different bumblebees, running surveys and lots of other practical activities.

Anyone interested in learning more should attend the talk: Making a buzz for the coast  on Wednesday 24 January, 7pm at Droit House in Margate. Places are free but limited, so booking is strongly recommended.

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