South Devon is one of the best areas in the country to find some of our most threatened bees. To help protect these important species, local farming and nature conservation organisations are working together to offer advice and support to farmers who would like to help bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.
The Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE), Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group South West (FWAG South West), Buglife and South Devon AONB are holding a farm walk and talk at Bearscombe, Kingsbridge on Wednesday 20th May, looking at ‘Greening’ and how to create wildflower-rich habitats to attract beneficial pollinators.
At this free event we will look at what farmers can do on their farms to increase the amount of wildflowers on their land. This will provide a crucial pollen and nectar source throughout the year along with shelter and safe nesting sites for pollinators and other beneficial wildlife. Advice and training will be available on how to restore wildflower grasslands, beneficial planting for pollinators, how to identify bees and other insects on your farm, linking action on your farm with new Countryside Stewardship schemes and the National Pollinator Strategy, and on Buglife’s South Devon B-Lines project.
Sally Hope-Johnson, FWAG South West, said “Farmers are at the crucial point with applying for the Basic Payment and receiving information about the new Countryside Stewardship scheme, so this event has been designed to help them understand what ‘Greening’ is and how they can practically carry it out.”
Andrew Whitehouse, Buglife South West Manager, said “Bees and other pollinators are disappearing from our countryside because of a lack of wildflower-rich habitats. By creating B-Lines we can help wildlife move across our countryside, saving threatened species and making sure that there are plenty of pollinators out there to help us grow crops.”
“The B-Lines project will help to ensure that South Devon’s bees and other wildlife from butterflies to bats are able to thrive. A countryside rich in wildlife is good for people and for the economy.”
Booking is essential, to secure your place please contact FWAG South West on call 01823 355427 or email: [email protected].
