Wednesday 15 June 2016

Tree Bumblebees in Nestbox

While checking the bird nest-boxes in his garden recently, Andy M noticed that one nest-box seemed to have been filled with moss, so much so that the moss was visible through the entrance hole.  On watching for a few minutes, a number of bumblebees were seen coming and going from the nest-box.  According to 'Bumblebee Conservation', the Tree Bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) was first seen in UK relatively recently (2001), presumably arriving from mainland Europe, and has since spread throughout Britain. Seen mostly in late spring and early summer, it can be distinguished from other bumblebee species by its characteristic ginger-coloured thorax, black abdomen and white tail - and from its habit of setting up home in nest-boxes!








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The Aims of Abington Naturewatch

At their meeting on 9 April 2005 the members approved this revised version of the aims of Abington Naturewatch:

  • To monitor and record the wildlife (fauna & flora) within the borders of the Abingtons;
  • To encourage protection of our wildlife, maintain its quality and foster its diversity;
  • To promote awareness of the richness, potential and problems of the natural environment of the Abingtons;
  • To cooperate in improving access to the local natural environment for the benefit of all Abington villagers.

Pat Daunt, Founder

The organisation is informal and communication is by email if possible; members are notified of events from time to time. Contact details are maintained by a small "project team". There is currently no membership fee as costs are covered by voluntary contributions at events.

Members are encouraged to report notable sightings of flora and fauna within the Abingtons to the appropriate sector coordinator and an illustrated record is published annually.

A map of the area covered, with some features noted, is available here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213774935674882866424.00000111dca2be9f06ab8&z=13>

For more information or to join, please contact David Farrant on (01223) 892871.

Contributions to our records should be sent to sector contacts or either of the above. Photographs may also be submitted to Andy Merryweather (amerryweather61@gmail.com)