In 2021, two sightings of the Long-horned bee (Eucera longicornis) were recorded from roadside verges in the small vice-county of Radnorshire. This UK priority species was also previously spotted in 2018 at Radnorshire Wildlife Trust’s Gilfach Nature Reserve, by the Exploring Gilfach Project Officer, Barbara. The Long-horned bee has been recorded in the coastal areas of south Wales, but not in mid Wales until these recent sightings. With inland colonies considered to be very rare, this is very exciting news. The presence of this species was again confirmed with another sighting at Gilfach Nature Reserve in 2022.

The Long-horned bee is one of the UK’s largest solitary bees, with a flight season from May until August. The male has exceptionally long antennae, hence the name. This species will usually nest in aggregations, in friable earth, exposed to the sun which helps to keep these nesting sites warm. Long-horned bees are especially fond of vetches and red clover, and are often recorded in open woodland glades, coastal sites and occasionally heathland.

However, it has declined so much across Britain that it is now considered a UK Priority Species and is a Section 7 Species on the list of Species of Principle Importance in Wales. This means that we have a duty to safeguard its future, so that it can thrive. With the right management, this bee can hopefully increase and recover.

According to Buglife, the Long-horned bee requires large areas of flowery habitat. It has been badly impacted by the 97% loss of flower-rich grassland during the 20th century and is particularly vulnerable to overgrazing and poor management of grassland.

Radnorshire Wildlife Trust believe that it is vital to maintain and restore the habitat of this declining bee, as we are so fortunate to have it breeding here in the county. The grassland at Gilfach Nature Reserve has the flower rich areas that the Long-horned bee needs, and Radnorshire Wildlife Trust are making sure that the habitat continues to be managed in a way that it remains suitable for the bee to thrive. It is also just as important that we record this species, to gain a better understanding of its abundance. If you spot a Long-horned bee, make sure to photograph and record it by contacting the Radnorshire and Breconshire Vice County Bee and Wasp Recorder, Janice via: jayvee156@gmail.com

Janice Vincett, Radnorshire and Breconshire Vice County Bee and Wasp Recorder: “These lovely little iconic animals are a symbol of hope for nature’s recovery and have shown what can turn up when you are not expecting it. I think that’s very special.”

Goal One in Radnorshire Wildlife Trust’s 2022-2030 Strategy is that by 2030, 30% of land and water in Radnorshire is managed in a way that creates extensive natural habitats for a wide variety of species. To achieve this, it is vital that all land is managed with nature in mind, not just nature reserves. Roadside verges support an amazing diversity of plants and animals. If managed for wildlife while keeping road safety in mind, they can provide a huge network of corridors and refuges for nature.

Joe Carter, Gilfach Warden for Radnorshire Wildlife Trust: “By changing cutting regimes, roadside verges can support an abundance of wildflowers and provide much needed habitat and food source for pollinators. This is a simple solution that can be key in helping to achieve habitat connectivity and nature’s recovery. We’ve started to see positive steps being made by Powys County Council to work towards this.”

There is more to do, especially around roadside verge nature reserves, but Radnorshire Wildlife Trust welcome the positive action taken and will continue to support Councillors and Officers to meet their ambition for nature's recovery.

Please consider donating and supporting Radnorshire Wildlife Trust’s vision to increase the abundance and diversity of wildlife, inspire people to take action for nature and help to reduce the impact of climate change.

To read the Trust’s 2022-2030 Strategy, visit: https://www.rwtwales.org/about-rwt/strategy-2030