ISLANDERS should make space for nature to help save the bees, according to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

On World Bee Day (today), a new report from WWF and Bug Life revealed of 228 species examined, 17 species were extinct, 25 types were threatened and another 31 of concern.

However, at Martin's Wood, Newchurch, there are 18 different rare bee species, including several types of mining bee — as well as the unusual yellow-faced bee and the cuckoo bee, which has a reputation for laying its eggs in the nests of other bees.

Responding to this report, Debbie Tann, chief executive of the Hampshire and IW Wildlife Trust, said: "Bees should be considered man’s best friend. It is not an exaggeration to say that without them we are all lost. We depend on the services of these industrious insects for the food on our plates and the plants in our fields.

"Yet pollution, intensive agriculture, habitat loss and the climate crisis are all now making it difficult for these pollinators to survive.

"Whilst we are proud of being able to offer refuge to these fascinating insects, we know that nature reserves alone are not enough. We urgently need to increase the space for nature – making our homes, gardens, farms and wider countryside better for bees and people.

"Our vision for a wilder Wight calls on governments, landowners, developers, communities and individuals to all play a part in creating a wilder future - for all of our sakes."

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