Nature And Landscape

Save Our Shrills (SOS): Somerset

Through this project, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust aims to secure a future in Somerset for the rare Shrill carder bee (SCB) while inspiring communities to take action for bumblebees. Once widespread, SCBs are confined to a few fragmented populations, with as few as 15 individuals recorded in Somerset last year. Our project will work across 21 sites (930+ hectares) to create and enhance wildflower-rich habitat, improve connectivity and build resilience for SCBs. Alongside habitat restoration, we will engage local people, landowners and community groups through bumblebee workshops, safaris, surveys and our new “Bumblebee Champion” model, enabling them to become active stewards of their natural heritage. By combining practical conservation, citizen science and skills development, Save Our Shrills (SOS): Somerset will give SCBs a better chance of survival, raise awareness of their vital role as pollinators and leave a legacy of empowered communities and thriving bumblebee populations in Somerset.