The UK once had 27 species of bumblebee - 3 of these are now extinct and others are in danger of going the same way. Bumblebees are vital pollinators of crops and flowers and their loss has a knock-on effect on all of us. They are also important pollinators of wildflowers - themselves in decline due to modern farming practices; lose the bees, we lose the wildflowers and the other insect species that rely on them for survival.

We can all do our bit to help save the bumblebee by growing wildflowers and other bee-friendly plants in our gardens. Herbs and traditional cottage garden plants are all valuable for bees, unlike colourful bedding plants, double-flowered varieties and other cultivated plants. A well-stocked garden with the right plants should attract around 6 species of bumblebee, if not more.

Some good plants for attracting bees - Toadflax, Knapweed, Viper’s Bugloss, Teasel, Cornflower, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Heather, Alliums, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Deadnettles, Red Campion, Thistles, Selfheal, Bugle, Bluebells, Escallonia, Lavatera, Comfrey, Scabious.

If you have room sow a meadow area from seed, details of how to do this on are on our website (and in a future blog!). 98% of Britain’s meadows and chalk downlands have disappeared in the last 60 years and these were havens for bumblebees and other wildlife.

Identifying Bumblebees

Common Bumblebees (click on image for bigger picture)

Rarer Bumblebees (click on image for bigger picture)

Cuckoo Bumblebees (click on image for larger picture)

There are 6 species of Cuckoo Bumblebees, which are parasitic. They do not collect their own pollen but invade nests and either kill off or evict the queen, and then use the workers to raise their own offspring. These bees can be distinguished from others as they have very hairy legs and no pollen baskets.

The English Cottage Garden Nursery sells many wildflowers, herbs and cottage garden plants to attract bees. We also sell wildflower seeds and meadow seed mixes. Pay us a visit and buy securely online or learn about wildflowers, meadows and wildlife gardening.

Bumblebee Conservation Trust

This organisation was set up to help promote awareness of the plight of the Bumblebee. The Trust works with politicians, statutory agencies and other NGO’s to try and achieve their aims. They also encourage farmers and landowners to consider the Bumblebee when farming and landscaping. Their website is full of information about Bumblebees and how you can help to save them. We would like to thank the Bumblebee Conservation Trust for the use of their images and information.