Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2010 | Page 92

country life

Island Life - October/November 2010

Holding out for help
By Peter Hutchings, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

Some once-common species are suffering sharp declines in our
counties. In this International Year of Biodiversity it is timely to remind
ourselves of this unacceptable loss of wildlife.
1. Bumblebee

the Isle of Wight had a planter full

that everyone can make a positive

There are currently 24 species of

of nectar-rich plants in its garden or

difference for wildlife by making

bumblebee in the UK and several are

on its balcony, it would make a huge

some very simple, small changes.

in severe decline thanks, in the main,

difference for local populations.

And it is particularly important where

to habitat loss and fragmentation. But

The Trust runs a wildlife gardening

bumblebees are concerned. Their

if every household in Hampshire and

scheme which promotes the message

decline is serious because they are vital

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