Horehound) on the outskirts of South Woodham Ferrers (TQ7996) as late as 9/10/05.
These sightings represent a considerable extension of the known current range of the
Shrill Carder Bee in Essex, and it may be that there are scattered colonies over a large
area of the Dengie. However, all the sightings so far have been on or close to sea defences,
and the bees have been foraging on small fragments of marginal land amid intensively
cultivated former grazing marshes. Unfortunately, the Dengie has not been well surveyed
for bumblebees in recent years, so it remains possible that the bees have been here all
along, unnoticed. The maps published by ITE/IBRA in 1980 do show a small cluster of
occupied 10km squares in north-east Essex (TL90, TL91, TM01 and TM02). However,
no details are available, and it is probable that the relevant records were made not later
than the mid-1970s.
If, on the other hand, the Shrill Carder Bee is spreading northwards from its south Essex
strongholds, it should soon be seen along the flood defences on the north bank of the
Blackwater, possibly at Goldhanger, Heybridge, Old Hall or Tollesbury Wick. From the
point of view of conservation these discoveries are very encouraging. Given the very
limited and fragmented habitat on the Dengie, it seems doubtful whether the current
scattered populations of the Shrill Carder Bee are self-sustaining. Rather, they may be
small 'satellites' of the main population further south. However, if enough pressure can
be exerted to protect as much as possible of the habitat of the 'core' population in the
Thames Gateway, there may be time for agri-environmental projects to extend and
improve the existing habitat for the bee on the Dengie. If BAP status means anything,
surely there will be the political will and resources to make this happen? The occurrence
of another BAP species, the Brown-banded Carder Bec at St. Peter's chapel is also very
exciting, and adds to the case for urgent action.
map of current known distribution of Bombus sylvarum in Essex
14 Essex Field Club Newsletter No. 49, January 2006