Chance to learn about busy bees with Caithness countryside ranger
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People are being given the chance to learn more about the buzzing sounds of summer in Caithness with an event focused on bumblebees.
Bumblebees are one of the most important pollinators of food plants and wild plants throughout the world, according to High Life Highland countryside ranger Paul Castle.
He is planning to host a presentations on the insects, including the great yellow bumblebee which is only found here in the far north of Scotland.
Mr Castle said: “The far north coast of Scotland is now the last remaining area of the UK mainland to hold breeding populations of the great yellow bumblebee. This once UK-wide species has suffered a huge decline since the end of the Second World War.
“That fact alone makes this area incredibly important for their long-term survival.
“As High Life Highland’s countryside ranger in the far north, I have been involved with bumblebee conservation projects for many years, often focusing on the great yellow bumblebee.
“I do not consider myself an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I do have a wealth of experience and the kind help of many real experts.
“During this presentation, I shall introduce you to bumblebees in general and also some of the projects I have been involved with. I will also explain some simple things you can do to help the plight of the bumblebee.
“You will also learn how to begin identifying the species we see here, and discover more about their fascinating lifecycle.”
The event which includes a digital presentation about our local bumblebees, takes place at the North Coast Visitor Centre in Thurso on Tuesday, February 14 from 11am to 12.30pm.
It will be repeated at Bettyhill Library on Thursday, April 11, at 7.30pm.
