A new plan has been launched urging Cumbrians to help reverse the decline of native pollinators.

Cumbria Local Nature Partnership (CLNP) has published Cumbria’s Plan Bee, A Pollinator Action Plan.

A collection of community, nature and farming groups, in partnership with the former Cumbria County Council and Natural England, led by Cumbria Wildlife Trust, are fighting for the bees.

Many species are in trouble due to habitat loss, pesticide exposure, disease and climate change.

The plan explains that since 1950, it’s estimated that the UK has lost 150,000 miles of hedgerow, 98% of flower-rich grassland and 50% of ancient woodland.

A third of UK bumblebees are listed as priority species of conservation concern and 41% of British butterflies are listed as threatened.

Cumbria’s Plan Bee suggests starting to reverse the trend by working together, and identifies 66 priority actions,  ranging from building a bee hotel in your garden to larger-scale measures put in place by local councils.

The plan relies on commitment from key organisations and groups, Cumbria’s Plan Bee asks that new local authorities develop more wildlife-rich open spaces and green corridors in urban areas linking to wider habitat networks, work with communities to review land managment, and maintain networks across public spaces.

They ask farmers to maintain and create wetland features, which provide habitat for pollinator larvae, restore and create new wildflower-rich meadows and pastures and reduce their use of pesticides.

Businesses are asked to add pollinator-friendly features to buildings and land, survey land to assess its importance for pollinators, especially industrial or brownfield sites and encourage staff to volunteer in local pollinator projects, by providing time, training or resources.

Stephen Trotter, CEO of Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said 'the statistics for species loss paint a frightening picture' but recovery is possible as it has been seen on the west coast of Cumbria where habitat was restored and created much-needed new wildlife corridors between the colonies of small blue butterflies.

He said: "Cumbria’s Plan Bee provides a fantastic opportunity for all of us to pledge to take action – however small – to reverse the decline of insects and to get every available piece of land working for pollinators. The plan helps us to take action for wildlife in the places that are closest and most important to us, and that’s not only important for nature's recovery - it's good for all of us and for the health, wellbeing and enjoyment of our local communities.”

Sign the Cumbria’s Plan Bee pledge here https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/cumbria-plan-bee/pledge