A Hive of Activity!

Published: 26 May 2020

Monmouth Town Council are pleased to announce that Monmouth has become the first ever Bee Town in the whole of the UK! Monmouth has been awarded its Bee Town status by international charity Bees for Development, in addition to its Bee Friendly status, (Caru Gwenyn), by the Welsh Government, because of its efforts to make the town pollinator friendly. Bees are crucial to our survival, but their habitat is constantly under threat and needs protecting for bees and other insects to survive.

The community, local residents and bee and insect experts who live locally should be congratulated for the huge efforts they have made to help insects thrive. Monmouth Town Council initially became involved when they were encouraged to support the project by Bees for Development, who are located in the town centre. The Town Council spent time investigating ‘bee friendly’ activities in and around the town and what could be further achieved in the future.

The Council were also supported by Monmouthshire County Council’s Nature Isn’t Neat Project, aimed at eradicating pesticides, leaving areas of the town’s grassed areas uncut, or not mowed as often, and letting wildflowers grow naturally. This year, there are three trial areas where there will be no cutting at all and there is also local support for the ‘No Mow May’ initiative by Plantlife.

New signs have been created by Bees for Development, with support from Monmouth Town Council’s Community Grants scheme, and these have been placed on to the five entry signs to the town for every visitor to see how proud we are of our achievements and our dedication to the cause.

Monmouth is officially the ‘first ever Bee Town’. Listen to the interview with Nicola Bradbear, from Bees for Development, on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme by clicking on the link below:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000j947