The humble bumblebee should not be underestimated. With their round, fluffy bodies, they are one of nature’s best pollinators. Unlike honeybees, they are able to venture into colder weather, making them vital to the reproduction of plant species in cool climates. Their abdomens are covered in long hairs, and they warm themselves up by shivering their muscles. But while they are a crucial presence in any farm or garden, these insects are threatened by rising temperatures.
Bumblebees beat their wings 130 times per second, enabling them to vibrate in a plant to release pollen– a process called buzz pollination. This allows them to pollinate more difficult plants, even inside greenhouses. But bumblebees are unable to cope with extreme temperatures, and as the world heats up, their populations are dwindling. Bumblebees are the only pollinators of potatoes, and countless other fruits and vegetables benefit from their existence, from strawberries to peppers.
With their distinctive abilities, bumblebees are vital to the survival of multiple species. Anyone can help protect the insects by rewilding their gardens. Planting more trees and creating log piles gives them a shady spot to rest. Although they have a remarkable capacity for staying warm, they have no defence against the heat. Bumblebees depend on us to take the sting out of climate change.
