Busy bees on the Tweed!

Buglife is inviting landowners and land managers along the River Tweed to express interest in receiving support for pollinator‑friendly habitat creation as part of Pollinators Along the Tweed, a partnership initiative within the wider Destination Tweed river revitalisation project.

Working with local authorities, landowners and community groups, the project aims to create and restore up to 40 hectares of pollinator habitat across 50 sites. To date, more than 22 hectares of species‑rich grassland and other wildflower habitats have been established or enhanced across 33 sites. The project team is now seeking additional landowners to participate in the next phase of work planned for 2026.

Eligible landowners may receive full funding for agreed habitat creation works, provided they commit to managing the site for pollinators for a minimum of ten years. Management typically involves an annual cut‑and‑collect regime, though requirements may vary depending on the type of habitat created. While the project covers establishment costs, ongoing management remains the responsibility of the landowner. Habitat creation will focus primarily on species‑rich grassland, with some scope for hedgerow planting. All potential sites will be assessed for suitability before any work is agreed.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Sites must be within 2 km of the River Tweed, or within 2 km of the River Annan north of Moffat.
• A minimum area of 0.5 hectares must be available for habitat creation.
• Landowners must commit to a ten‑year management agreement.
• No pesticides or herbicides may be used on the site.

Landowners who meet the criteria and wish to learn more are encouraged to contact the project’s conservation officer, Kate, at Kate.O’Leary@buglife.org.uk by Tuesday 31 March. Support is limited and will be allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

Find out more about Bug life and the project here.

Pollinators Along the Tweed runs from November 2022 to May 2027 and is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional support from AEB Charitable Trust, Craignish Trust, Fallago Environment Fund, J. & J.R. Wilson Trust, Milkywire, NatureScot, Northumbrian Water Group and ScottishPower Foundation.

Main Image Credit – Species on the Edge – Great yellow bumblebee – Pieter Haringsma – Nature Scot