Climate change is worrying – and we are already starting to notice the differences in the UK, from freak April heatwaves to the rapid decline of our blackbird population.
But now one silver lining has appeared. A new bee species, which once found the UK too cold to survive, has been spreading in the south of England.
Osmia cornuta, AKA the European orchard bee, has been flourishing in southern England thanks to warmer temperatures. Before you freak out, this is a good thing, as these bees are excellent pollinators, and thought to be better at spreading pollen than honey bees. Thanks to their top pollination skills, the bees colonies in Europe are encouraged to live in apple and cherry orchards.
Britain was once too cold for this type of insect. The species was first seen in Greenwich in London in 2014 and has spread rapidly since. The warm and dry spring we have been having means that the population is likely to keep growing.
As a solitary bee, Osmia cornuta is likely to be found in urban areas because it likes warm places. Bee houses made of hollow canes are also ideal for this species.
In other cute nature news, deer have returned to Greenwich park after four years away. Plus, four of the world’s best hikes are in the UK according to Time Out writers.
18 British cities have been named in the 100 best in Europe for 2025.
And this is officially the UK’s most remote train journey.
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