Two ‘near-threatened’ species of bees are thriving at Barr Beacon local nature reserve.
The Cats Ear Mining Bee (Andrena humilis) and the Cats Ear Nomad Bee (Nomada integra), both of which are classified as “near threatened”, were found for the first time in decades by University of Birmingham PhD researcher Aaron Bhambra.
It follows extensive habitat restoration work the local authority has carried out with Natural England.
Walsall Council began restoring heathland at Barr Beacon 20 years ago, using government funding and advice from Natural England.
Now the site is part of national flagship project the Purple Horizons Nature Recovery Project, which aims to create nature-rich places between Sutton Park and Cannock Chase.
Aaron Bhambra said: “What’s fascinating about this discovery, is that there are only a handful of sites in the region where both species are known to be found together, which underscores just how critical sub-urban green spaces like Barr Beacon are for supporting threatened insect communities.”
Chloe Hardman, project manager for the Purple Horizons Nature Recovery Project at Natural England, added: “This is a brilliant example of organisations working together for nature recovery. Walsall Council are carrying out habitat restoration, with advice and funding from Natural England, whilst the University of Birmingham are monitoring how effective the different restoration methods are. Knowing that our actions are helping these threatened bee species to survive gives our partnership a real boost.”
As part of the council’s work to restore heathland across several sites, it has spread heather and other native wildflower seeds and created more bare earth for ground-nesting bees.