Winter bumblebees spotted across Hampshire

Bumblebees could be spotted later into winter across Hampshire this year as warmer temperatures continue to shift insects’ seasonal behaviour, conservationists say.

The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) highlights that winter remains a major challenge for bees.

“Despite their fluffy jackets, bees find it especially hard to survive over winter,” the Trust said, adding that the UK’s 270 species have “developed a range of fascinating tactics to make it through to the warmer months”.

Later sightings

Bumblebee activity in Hampshire typically declines by late autumn, but milder winters have resulted in sightings well into December, especially in urban areas where flowering plants last longer.

Buff-tailed bumblebees – one of the UK’s most common and easily recognisable species – are now regularly recorded foraging in late autumn and early winter.

Scientists behind a study published in PLOS ONE, an international peer-reviewed science journal, reinforce this trend.

They found that buff-tailed bumblebees in southern England can remain active throughout the winter, even producing workers and new queens, with foraging rates in towns comparable to those seen in summer.

How different species cope

The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust says bee species use a variety of strategies to get through the colder months.

“Spring-flying bees will develop into adults over the summer and spend the winter within a cocoon,” the Trust said.

Despite this, bumblebees take a different approach.

“Bumblebees will only prioritise the survival of the queen – the rest of the colony will be left to die.”

The queen’s survival

Queens feed heavily in autumn to build fat reserves before seeking a dry, sheltered hibernation spot.

“Despite these preparations … only around half of these queen bees will survive the winter,” The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust states in their blog.

Their behaviour can often be observed in gardens, parks and nature reserves across Hampshire.

Urban food sources

Warmer winters and the heat retained in built-up areas allow some bees to stay active for longer, supported by winter-flowering plants such as ivy, heather and winter honeysuckle.

Many of these species grow naturally across Hampshire, with the New Forest in particular well known for its extensive heather habitats.

Researchers say these conditions may enable certain colonies to continue functioning into early winter and produce new queens earlier than usual.

Ongoing concerns

Despite the increase in late-season sightings, bee populations continue to face significant pressures from habitat loss, agricultural intensification and climate change.

The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said ensuring nectar is available throughout the year is vital: “Having some early and some late flowers in your planting mix will prolong the nectar season for bumblebees.”

Residents are being encouraged to report winter sightings, offering valuable clues about how Hampshire’s bee populations are responding to a changing climate.

More information regarding the changes in local wildlife in Hampshire this winter, check out The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust website.