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The Big Give Week – The Big Buzz

We are absolutely buzzing to launch The Big Buzz campaign as part of The Big Give Week, whereupon all donations to the cause up to a total of £5,000 will be matched, doubling the action we can take to protect these important pollinators.

Pollinators in Hertfordshire and Middlesex

Bees are in trouble. Did you know that since the 1930’s, we have lost 97% of the wild flower meadows that support these incredible workers? It’s a startling fact that almost 90% of wild plants and 75% of our crops require animal pollination with bees doing the brunt of that work.

Missing Meadows

Habitat loss is a major issue for our bees and other pollinators. In Hertfordshire just 0.5% of land is attributed to wildflower meadow. That goes some way to explaining why, in the East of England, 73 species of bee are threatened, regionally extinct or of conservation concern. 

Despite their decline, there are still over 270 bee species in the UK. Bees come in many shapes, sizes and colours - have a look at our guide to identifying some of the bumblebees you might see in your garden. 

Bumble bee on bird's-foot-trefoil

Bumble bee on bird's-foot-trefoil (c) Tim Hill

Bringing back the buzz

Fortunately, bees do have supporters who are willing to act for them. The Trust is undertaking vital work to save and protect our wildflower meadows across Hertfordshire and Middlesex. At several of our nature reserves, we employ grazing livestock to remove dominant grass and scrub, allowing rare plants to flourish. The animals also create bare ground and dung, which, together, provide food and homes for bees and other insects.

You can help fund the continuation of our action to help bees and this week is a great time to give. Your donation could double the impact we can have on our pollinators like bees. Of course, there are other actions you can take too, for instance, by planting bumblebee friendly flowers or making a bee hotel. By being aware of bees, the important job they do and the challenges they face, we can all support them and get Hertfordshire and Middlesex buzzing!

The Big Buzz

This week, we are absolutely buzzing to launch The Big Buzz campaign as part of The Big Give Week. During Big Give Week, all donations to our Big Buzz appeal will be doubled (up to a total of £5,000) - doubling the action we can take to protect these important pollinators.

Double your donation

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