Current status
The northern Colletes is one of a small group of boreo-alpine species of bee found in the UK. The female bees forage for nectar from a wide range of flowers and nest in aggregations in light, sandy soil. Nest sites on Barra in the Outer Hebrides are associated with machair grasslands, although on the Scottish mainland it is reported from the marram zone of coastal dunes. In Eire it apparently nests in firmer substrates, including coastal cliffs composed of sandy clay.
This bee has a Palearctic distribution, being found at low altitudes in northern regions and in montane locations further south. Within the British Isles most records of the northern Colletes are from the western seaboard of Scotland, notably the Outer Hebrides, where it is strongly associated with the machair grasslands. It is also known from Eire, Northern Ireland, and from the Cumbrian coast. Altogether, the bee has been recorded from 15 UK ten km squares.
In Great Britain this bee is now classified as Rare.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Loss of herb-rich dune grasslands due to agricultural intensification.
As a species with a boreo-alpine distribution, it could be negatively affected by warming of the UK climate.
Current action
Some of the recent records are from SSSIs and other reserves.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain populations at all known sites.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Where appropriate, include the requirements of the northern Colletes when preparing or revising prescriptions for agri-environment schemes, especially ESAs covering
machair in Scotland. (ACTION: DANI, EHS, NE, MAFF, SNH, SOAEFD)
Site safeguard and management
Ensure that the species is included in site management documents for all relevant SSSIs/ASSIs. (ACTION: NE, SNH, EHS)
Consider notifying as SSSIs/ASSIs sites supporting viable populations of the northern Colletes, where this is necessary to their secure long-term protection and appropriate management. (ACTION: 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: Crofters Commission, DANI, EHS, NE, MAFF, SNH, SOAEFD)
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: DANI, EHS, NE, MAFF, SNH, SOAEFD)
Future Research and Monitoring
Undertake surveys to determine the range and status of this bee in the UK by 2005. (ACTION: EHS, NE, SNH)
Conduct autecological research targeted to inform habitat management. (ACTION: EHS, NE, SNH)
Undertake regular surveys to monitor the status and extent of known populations. (ACTION: EHS, NE, SNH)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to a central database for incorporation in national and international databases. (ACTION: EHS, NE, SNH)
Communications and Publicity
Promote opportunities for the appreciation of this bee and the conservation issues associated with its habitat. Emphasis should be given to the importance of traditional crofting practices for maintaining the biodiversity of machair grasslands. This should be achieved through articles within appropriate journals, and by publicity leaflets. (ACTION: 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, p237)