A decline in the population of bumblebees in the UK has reached a historic low, data from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust reveals. In 2024, bumblebee numbers dropped by close to a quarter compared to the average figures from the previous decade (2010-2023), attributing the decline to the challenging weather conditions in spring.
The Met Office reported an unusual surge in rainfall during March, April, and May, with certain regions experiencing up to triple the usual precipitation for the season. These wet and cold conditions were particularly detrimental as they coincided with the critical colony establishment period, severely affecting the queen bumblebees who act as single mothers, responsible for feeding their larvae and incubating the nest.
The health of the 24 British bumblebee species is crucial for pollination, making their dwindling numbers a significant ecological concern. While there was a partial recovery as the weather improved in July and August, 2024 still recorded the second-lowest counts for these months on the Trust’s records.
Dr. Richard Comont, from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, highlighted the impact of long-term habitat changes and weather fluctuations, leading to smaller, weaker bumblebee populations and reduced resilience. Conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and continued monitoring, are deemed essential to safeguard their future.
Meanwhile, The Guardian is inviting readers to nominate their candidate for the second annual Invertebrate of the Year competition. Participants can submit their nominations to support their chosen species, with the full submission form available for convenience.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/global/2025/feb/27/uk-bumblebee-numbers-fell-to-lowest-on-record-in-2024-shows-data
