Sir, - I would like to use your column to express my thanks to those people that are taking part in Durham Wildlife Trust's garden bumble-bee survey. The response we have had since the first phase of the survey was launched at the end of May has been very encouraging.

The trust is running the project after recent surveys showed a slow and steady decline in bumble-bee species, distribution and numbers across the UK. In the trust's area, which includes County Durham, Sunderland, South Tyneside, Gateshead and Darlington, the insect is disappearing from many of its old haunts and is increasingly dependent on flower-rich parks and gardens.

From a possible 18 bumble-bee species, which once were found in County Durham, about six can be found in gardens and it is possible that these six common species are only common because of their reliance on our gardens. The aim of the survey is to find out how reliant on gardens bumble-bees are, where some of them are in the county and try to measure the numbers of bumble-bees in gardens as compared to the open countryside.

The results of the survey will allow us to develop a conservation plan that effectively targets areas where the problem is most apparent. This is why we need as much information as possible and why we are so grateful to the hundreds of people that have requested forms and are taking part.

I hope you will excuse me the indulgence of mentioning that the survey continues until the end of August and anyone interested in taking part can obtain survey leaflets from any Durham Wildlife Trust visitor centre, public libraries around the region, or by contacting the trust on 0191 584 3112.

MARK JAMES

Marketing and development officer,

Durham Wildlife Trust.