Current status
Most records of this bee have been associated with extensive areas of meadowland supporting a large number of plant species with long corolla flower types, notably those belonging to the plant families Fabaceae and Lamiaceae. It is one of a number of bumblebee species to have undergone a drastic reduction in range and abundance as a result of the loss of this habitat in the modern agricultural landscape. On the Hebrides during August 1997 it was strongly associated with areas that had been winter-grazed and then allowed to grow throughout the summer. Such areas supported good stands of red clover and common knapweed, both of which were important forage plants. Nests are constructed underground. The number of workers of the great yellow bumblebee per nest is often noted as being particularly low, with workers being of a large size.
This species is widespread in northern and central Europe and in Asia, although it is declining in many parts of its range. In the UK, there are post-1960 records for scattered localities across England, Scotland and Wales. However, records since 1970 are very strongly biased towards the extreme north of Scotland, with most being from the Outer Hebrides. Searches during 1997 showed there to be good populations associated with machair systems on the islands south of, and including, North Uist. There are also recent (post-1990) records from Orkney, Coll, Tiree and Sutherland. There are pre-1960 records from Northern Ireland.
In Great Britain this species is classified as Nationally Scarce.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Loss of extensive, herb-rich grasslands.
Current action
This species is the subject of an SNH Pre-Recovery Project.
Some populations are on SSSIs and RSPB reserves.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain populations at all known sites.
Enhance the population size at all known sites by 2010.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Where appropriate, include the requirements of the species when preparing or revising prescriptions for agri-environment schemes. (ACTION: CCW, DANI, EHS, NE, MAFF, SNH, SOAEFD, WOAD)
Site safeguard and management
Where possible, ensure that all occupied habitat is appropriately managed by 2008, for example through SSSI or agri-environment scheme management agreements. (ACTION: CCW, DANI, EHS, NE, MAFF, SNH, SOAEFD, WOAD)
Ensure that the habitat requirements of the great yellow bumblebee are taken into account in any relevant development policies, plans and proposals. (ACTION: CCW, NE, EHS, SNH, LAs)
Ensure that this species is included in site management documents for all relevant SSSIs/ASSIs. (ACTION: CCW, EHS, NE, SNH)
Consider notifying as SSSIs/ASSIs sites supporting viable populations of the great yellow bumblebee, where this is necessary to secure long-term protection and appropriate management. (ACTION: CCW, EHS, NE, SNH)
Species management and protection
None proposed.
Advisory
Advise landowners and managers of the presence of this species and the importance of beneficial management for its conservation. (ACTION: CCW, Crofters Commission, DANI, EHS, NE, MAFF, SNH, SOAEFD, WOAD)
As far as possible, ensure that all relevant agri-environment project officers, and members of regional agri-environment consultation groups, are advised of locations of this species, its importance, and the management needed for its conservation. (ACTION: CCW, DANI, EHS, NE, MAFF, SNH, SOAEFD, WOAD)
Future Research and Monitoring
Undertake surveys to determine the range and status of this bee by 2005. (ACTION: CCW, EHS, NE, SNH)
Continue autecological research targeted to identify key habitat features, such as sources of nectar and pollen, nesting sites, and areas used for mating and over-wintering, in order to inform habitat management. (ACTION: CCW, EHS, NE, SNH)
Establish a regular monitoring programme. (ACTION: CCW, EHS, NE, SNH)
Pass information gathered through survey and monitoring of this species to a central database so that it can be incorporated into national databases. (ACTION: CCW, EHS, NE, SNH)
Communications and Publicity
Promote opportunities for the appreciation of the bee and the conservation issues associated with its habitat. This should be achieved through articles within appropriate journals as well as by publicity leaflets. (ACTION: CCW, EHS, NE, SNH)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume IV: Invertebrates (March 1999, Tranche 2, Vol IV, p209)