Bumblebees are important pollinators in Shetland and are a useful indicator species of the general environment quality. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some bumblebee species have declined over recent decades possibly due to changing agricultural practices and as an impact of climate change.

In Shetland there are six species of bumblebee that are known to occur, two of which are relatively new to Shetland; the Buff-tailed Bumblebee was first seen here in 2012, and the Early Bumblebee only appearing in 2018 and so far only in Lerwick and Bressay.

We need your help to find out more about our bumblebee numbers and distribution. We would like you to let us know which bumblebees you have seen.

Sightings records can be emailed to SBRC with photos if you have them. If you have more time, we would love it if you could carry out a short survey in your garden or on a set walking route once a week, or as often as you are able.

Simply download our Bumblebee Leaflet and Survey Sheet and get spotting!

Click the picture below to download a copy of the Shetland Bumblebee ID Guide and Survey Sheet