UK Bumblebees Fell 20-35% After 2022 Heatwaves as 28C-32C Temperatures Hamper Flight
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 21
UK Bumblebees Fell 20-35% After 2022 Heatwaves as 28C-32C Temperatures Hamper Flight
1 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 21
Summary
BeeWalk monitoring found three common UK bumblebee species peaked far below normal in 2022—red-tailed down 20%, buff-tailed 25% and common carder 35%—after summer temperatures hit a record 40.3C.
At roughly 28C to 32C, bumblebees can struggle to fly without overheating, and scientists say extreme heat and drought also cut nectar and pollen supplies as flowers dry out.
Queen numbers stayed below average through March to May 2023, suggesting the 2022 heatwaves weakened colonies long enough to reduce the next year's breeding stock.
Researchers say climate change is making UK heatwaves more frequent and intense, raising risks for pollinators vital to wildflowers and some crops.
Conservationists say flower-rich habitat, shade and small water sources can help, from meadows and hedgerows to pots of native wildflowers on windowsills.
Britain's most common bees are dying from the heat. Are our food crops next?
Planting flowers isn't enough. What have we overlooked in the fight to save our bees from heat?
Bumblebee Collapse: 2024 UK Numbers Hit Record Lows Amid Climate and Habitat Threats
Overview
In 2024, UK bumblebee populations suffered record declines, marking an immediate crisis. Years of habitat degradation led to smaller, weaker bee populations that lacked resilience. This made them highly vulnerable to environmental shocks, especially extreme weather events intensified by climate change. The 2022 heatwaves placed immense stress on these already struggling bees. As a result, bumblebees became exceptionally susceptible to further climatic extremes, causing their numbers to drop sharply. The situation highlights how long-term habitat loss and recent climate-driven weather events combined to push bumblebee populations to critical lows.