PEOPLE across the region are needed to help monitor the populations of five bee species and gather data that can be used to inform conservation action.
The Natural History Society of Northumbria wants enthusiasts from across the North-East to record bees in their gardens this spring and summer.
The nature charity has launched a new citizen science scheme aiming to map the distribution of five distinctive but under-recorded North East bee species.
Tawny mining bee
Urban or rural, beginner or expert, naturalist or nature lover, everyone can help to increase the collective knowledge and awareness of bees in the region.
As pollinators, bees play an important role in the environment, yet many species find themselves at risk due to human actions.
Data from the Environmental Records Information Centre (ERIC) shows that bee species are under-recorded in the North East and for some, surprisingly little is known about their distribution.
An ashy mining bee
Data suggests that some nationally common species are few and far between in the North East, but the charity wants to know if this is really the case or whether there are just gaps in the information recorded.
NHSN project officer and local entomologist, Charlotte Rankin, said: "Recording bees is essential for their conservation. Simply, we cannot protect species if we do not know where they are and what they are doing. Records help to build up a better picture of what is happening to a particular species and ultimately informs conservation efforts, both nationally and more locally.
"Most people are surprised to discover that the UK is home to over 250 different species of bee and so bee identification can be rather daunting.
"The North East Bee Hunt is asking participants to look out for five distinctive bee species that are likely to be encountered in gardens and local greenspaces.
"In general, bees are an under-recorded group. Some species, namely solitary bees, are known as common and widespread but are presenting large gaps in the region. By submitting sightings and generating more records of these incredibly important insects, participants will help to build a better picture of bee species in the region. Every record really does count.
"Gardens, allotments and local greenspaces can be invaluable habitats for bees in urban areas. By providing both pollinator-friendly flowers and nesting sites, these habitats really do provide refuge for bees in otherwise concrete and tarmacked urban environments."
Red-tailed bumblebee
The study will focus on the red-tailed bumblebee, tree bumblebee, ashy mining bee, red mason bee and tawny mining bee species which are all commonly encountered in gardens in both urban and rural areas.
NHSN Director, Clare Freeman, said: "Across Britain, bees are under threat. Never has it been more important to monitor their populations and gather data that can be used to inform conservation action.
"This spring and summer, NHSN are encouraging enthusiasts from across the North East to record bees in their gardens and contribute to our collective understanding of these iconic insects in our region.
"Every record counts. Whether you live in Northumberland or Durham, whether you intend to record in your garden or during your daily exercise, we’d love you to get involved.
"The North East Bee Hunt provides an opportunity for individuals and families at home to contribute to science, even while practicing social distancing. A daily dose of nature is important during difficult times such as these and we hope that many people will join us to study, observe and appreciate bees in the North East."
A tree bumblebee
Gardeners, allotment owners and naturalists can submit their records using an online portal, or by a simple, downloadable form.
Further information about signing up and contributing to the scheme, and a guide to identifying species, is available on the website nhsn.ncl.ac.uk
Pointers and further information will be share by NHSN via social media over the coming months.
The results of this survey will be published by NHSN in its Northumbrian Naturalist journal as a follow-up to the popular 2019 publication, Bumblebees of North East England.
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