An historic first pint of specially blended brew called HoneyBee Nectar, which is destined to be a lifeline for local bee populations, was pulled by Marlborough’s mayor, Councillor Guy Loosmore, at The Bell at Ramsbury on Saturday.
The light, summery beer is produced by Ramsbury Brewery as a special gesture to North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with 20p from the sale of each pint or bottle aimed at bee conservation, especially bumblebees and their habitats.
Bumblebee populations on the Downs have declined dramatically over the decade, partly due to the disappearance in some parts of 97 per cent of the area’s flower-rich grasslands.
Henry Oliver, director of AONB, announced: “This project will help towards our vision that our communities and countryside will once again be rich in bumblebees and colourful wild flowers, supporting a diversity of wildlife for everyone to enjoy.”
Funds from the sale of the beer, augmented by grant funds from AONB — and possibly additional funding further down the line — will be used to encourage schools, allotment holders and gardeners to plant varieties of specially-prepared perennial wildflower plug plants next Spring.
And by next summer they will start to provide a carpet of colour, an irresistible attraction to nectar-loving bumblebees, bees, butterflies and other insects.
“Many of our farmers and large landowners have embraced the need for wildflower planting, but there is much the ordinary individual can do,” added Mr Oliver.
“And we are very keen to develop an outreach programme with local primary schools.”
Charles Flower, a renowned West Berkshire based wildflower seedsman and a member of AONB’s guiding Council of Partners, said: “If wild flowers can be grown in school grounds, the plants which form the base of the wildlife food-chain can be studied, their seeds harvested and the bumblebees and other insects which come along can also be studied.
“If children grow up without realising that wildflowers exist, the consequences for our wildlife do not bear thinking about.”
As Mr Oliver pointed out: “Bees really are for everyone and bumblebees have amazing lives. Some species are in danger of disappearing altogether. Indeed, Wiltshire is one of very few places where the shrill carder bumblebee can be found. “Today’s launch of this limited edition very local beer is a shining example of ways that communities can get involved to help the survival of our black-and-yellow buddies.”
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