Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council is proud to announce that it has successfully achieved Bee Friendly status, as recognised by the Action Plan for Pollinators Taskforce. This prestigious certification underscores the Council's commitment to enhancing biodiversity and supporting pollinator populations in the region.
The Bee Friendly scheme is an initiative that promotes the creation of environments conducive to the health and well-being of pollinators, which are vital to our ecosystems and agriculture. The Council's efforts in this regard have been acknowledged through the awarding of the Bee Friendly certificate and logo, which can now be used on newsletters and promotional materials.
Nadine Morgan, Ecologist for Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council commented, " There is a growing recognition that action needs to be undertaken to halt the decline of pollinators , due to the need to safeguard the food chain and local habitats.
Traditionally pollinators rely on a variety of habitats such as meadows, hedgerows, woodland edges, clover rich grasslands and orchards. A change to agricultural practices, changing land use and intensification has resulted in a decline in these traditional habitats. Alternative habitats can be provided in gardens, parks, open spaces and road verges.
Blaenau Gwent Council has the ability to make significant changes by altering planting and grass cutting regimes promoting the creation of pollinator friendly habitat. By implementing changes to land management practices will promote a greater floral diversity which will also promote improved soil structure and increase the ability for carbon storage.
The long-term vision is ensuring our grassland networks are well connected, have excellent floral diversity and in good condition to be able to support a variety of wildlife including pollinating insects. Therefore, we are proud to receive this award in recognition of the action we have taken to support our local pollinators and other wildlife, which contributes to addressing the nature and climate emergencies. We are very excited to carry this work on into the future enhancing spaces to create resilient ecosystems."
The Council encourages the sharing of best practices to improve opportunities for pollinators and invites the community to participate in this initiative. Photos and updates on Bee Friendly activities can be shared on social media using the hashtag #BeeFriendlyWales, and the Council is keen to publicise these efforts through its social media networks.
To maintain Bee Friendly status, the Council will submit a renewal application after one year, detailing achievements and future plans.
