Bee Orchid Discovery

The first record in over 20 years

 In the last week there has been an exciting new addition to the Nature Reserve that strangely coincides with the discovery of a locally rare bee orchid found on Corbett’s Meadow after an absence of over 20 years, and a species of bee that has been spotted for the first time at Attenborough.

Last Thursday under the cover of darkness (when the bees are back in their hives and are settled), six bee hives were put into position by Park’s Apiaries on one of our flower rich meadows. The bees, it is hoped, will augment the wild bee population on the Reserve and help to pollinate the diverse wild flower assemblages that can be found here. They will also provide a tasty treat of locally sourced and sustainable Attenborough honey that will be sold in the Nature Centre later in the year.

16 different species of wild bee have been recorded on the Nature Reserve since records began, including the tree bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) which was seen for the first time at Attenborough this June. The tree bumblebee, which likes to nest in holes in trees, is common and widespread over much of mainland Europe and first arrived on the south coast of England from France in 2001. It has slowly moved north reaching nearby Leicestershire in 2009. It has a distinctive brown thorax, black abdomen and white tail so is unlike any other native species. This species can often be seen along the Wet Marsh Path towards the observation point overlooking Clifton Pond.

Despite this new arrival, native UK bee populations have suffered a catastrophic decline over the last 30 years. Three species have recently become extinct and many more are now seriously threatened. This is thought to be the result of a number of factors including loss of wildflower habitats, agricultural intensification, use of pesticides and emerging parasites and diseases. 

As bees play an important role in pollinating wild flowers and almost a third of all commercial crops, the recent declines are cause for concern. Albert Einstein is reputed to have once said that without bees to pollinate our food crops, humans would die off in just 4 years!

To help restore valuable meadow habitats, the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust are giving away Mini Meadow seed packs which will provide all you need to share your garden with nature. Each pack contains enough seed to create a 1m² Mini Meadow, wherever you have space and the mix has been specially selected to attract pollinating insects such as bees. You could sprinkle it on a bare patch of soil, or use to transform an area of your lawn. You could even create a Mini Meadow in a window box or a hanging basket. Packs are available to Nottinghamshire residents from support@nottswt.co.uk or the Attenborough Nature Centre (one pack per household).