UK bumblebees are losing in the battle against climate change, with extreme weather leading to a population decline in 2018, according to a BeeWalk survey. The majority of the four native species took longer to reach average numbers, with experts suggesting queen bees came out of hibernation late, due to cold conditions in February and March 2018. A hot, dry summer then led to a quicker decline in numbers. Over the long-term, frequent heatwaves are expected to cut bumblebee numbers. Nevertheless, species such as the brown-banded carder bee and shrill carder bee have fared well, as they prefer warm weather.
UK bumblebees are losing in the battle against climate change, with extreme weather leading to a population decline in 2018, according to a BeeWalk survey. The majority of the 24 native species took longer to reach average numbers, with experts suggesting queen bees came out of hibernation late, due to cold conditions in February and March 2018. A hot, dry summer then led to a quicker decline in numbers. Over the long-term, frequent heatwaves are expected to cut bumblebee numbers. Nevertheless, species such as the brown-banded carder bee and shrill carder bee have fared well, as they prefer warm weather.