Pembrokeshire bumblebee project shortlisted for EOG Association for Conservation prize

Six projects have been entered into the competition from across the UK and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust has joined forces with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and the Countryside Council for Wales to enter the only Welsh project.

The competition, which offers a prize of 30,000 Euros, is being run jointly by the EOG Association for Conservation and the Live for the Outdoors website which is run by Trail and Country Walking magazines.

Speaking of the project, Castlemartin ranger Lynne Houlston said: “Our project is at Castlemartin Range and includes creating wildflower meadows, linking related habitats and working directly to conserve a UK Biodiversity Action Plan species, alongside the MoD’s creation of a new trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

“We need your votes if we are to have a chance of winning 30,000 Euros, so we’re urging everyone to do their bit for wildlife and vote for the project. The poll opened on January 25th.”

Pippa Rayner, of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, said: “Your vote will help us to introduce wildflowers along a new path through previously-restricted MoD land at Castlemartin and create wildflower-rich meadows nearby.

“This will provide essential bumblebee habitat and also create pretty places full of flowers, bees and butterflies for everyone to enjoy.

“We’ll be bringing extra colour and ‘buzz’ to the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.”

She added: “Bumblebees are vital to us as they pollinate many wildflowers and important crops, so it is imperative that we look after them.

“The project can make a real difference as Pembrokeshire supports many bumblebee species, including the very rare shrill carder bee — a handsome little bumblebee with a high-pitched buzz!”

For further information and to cast your vote, visit www.livefortheoutdoors.

com and click on the most worthy eco-project link.