New map is boost for bees

A conservation charity is launching a new map for Perth and Kinross in response to the decline in the population of bees and other pollinating insects.

The‘B-Lines’network map, which will also be launched in Dundee and Angus, is charity Buglife’s plan to reconnect wild places by creating a network of wildflowers across landscapes.

Long-standing research has shown that precious pollinators - such as bees, hoverflies, butterflies and moths – are disappearing from large parts of the countryside and as well as the loss of abundance, some species are even at risk of extinction in Scotland.

The B-Lines network includes the best habitats for pollinating insects and identifies key areas to restore and create new wildflower-rich meadows, important grassland verges and pollinator-friendly gardens.

B-Lines can be adopted by farmers and landowners, local authorities and the general public across all of Scotland.

Buglife Scotland manager Natalie Stevenson said:“Launching B-lines across Scotland will help us forge strong regional partnerships so together we can improve habitats and ensure that the important ecological services provided by pollinators can be sustained.

“People across Scotland are realising how critical invertebrates are for a nature-rich future and are beginning to change the way they manage our grasslands, but there is so much more we can do.

“We are particularly keen to work across Angus, Dundee and Perth and Kinross. There are some fantastic opportunities here where we can make a big difference.”

Catherine Lloyd from the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership added: “With some 600 actions to achieve in the current Tayside Biodiversity Action Plan, there will be many opportunities to create links between local wildlife initiatives to contribute towards this exciting landscape-scale project.”

To get involved, contact Buglife Scotland on their website.