Major Study Reveals Wild Bee Decline

A new study published today (16 August 2016), commissioned from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) provides even more evidence that harmful neonicotinoid pesticides are devastating wild-bee populations.

Exposure to neonicotinoid seed treated oilseed rape crops has been linked to long-term population decline of wild bee species across the English countryside, and new research published today in Nature Communications, reveals the horrifying extent of the negative impact of these pesticides on wild-bee populations.

The paper surveys 62 bee species from the United Kingdom and links population declines over this 18-year period to the escalating use of neonicotinoid pesticides.

The results of this extensive new research on the impacts of neonicotinoid pesticides on wild pollinators are dramatic. It adds to the strong and quickly growing body of overwhelming scientific evidence which points to the damaging impact of neonicotinoid pesticides on pollinating insects, including bumblebees and honey bees. 

There are a range of methods which farmers can use which do not require the use of neonicotinoid pesticides. Organic farmers use a system of production which has strong benefits for pollinator populations – for example, a meta-analysis from Oxford University showed on average, organic farms have 48% more species of pollinators than non-organic farms.

How can we stop these toxic pesticides?

With your help, we can ensure that the current partial ban on toxic neonicotinoids is made not only permanent but total. You can help us achieve this by donating today. Together we can create healthy farmland and countryside without these poisonous pesticides.