A bumblebee sanctuary has been set up to help boost numbers of the species, conservationists said today.
The sanctuary, which is thought to be the first of its kind in the world, is being run by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust (BBCT) and RSPB Scotland.
Based at Vane Farm, a Scottish nature reserve beside Loch Leven in Perth and Kinross, the speciall
y constructed hay meadow contains cornflowers, poppies and buttercups, flowers which are known to attract the creatures.
Dr Ben Darvill, BBCT director, said the rare blaeberry bumblebee had already been spotted at the sanctuary.
"Wildflowers and crops alike depend on the hard work of our endearing bumblebees, but sadly many species are now under threat. Habitat loss has already led to the extinction of three species and several more are severely threatened.
"Hay meadows are seldom seen in today's farmland, leaving little for bumblebees to feed on, so both farmers and conservationist need to do what they can to help."
Dr Dave Beaumont, head of reserves ecology for RSPB Scotland, added: "If you look around the countryside nowadays you very rarely see grasslands that have any colour other than green in them.
"This rarity of flower-rich meadows and all of the dependent wildlife that they support is something that we can address on our nature reserves."
About £19,000 of funding for the sanctuary has been provided by Scottish Natural Heritage.
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