Ground nesting bees and evidence of badgers have been found in Clearwell Cemetery.

(You can learn more about Tree Bumblebees from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust's website: https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/white-tailed-bumblebees/tree-bumblebee/  and badgers from the Wildlife Trusts: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/mammals/european-badger)

Location: towards the end of the cemetery on the left-hand side of the path.

We have been made aware of some tree bumblebees that have taken up residence in an old rabbit warren. As a result of this, we called out Forest of Dean Pest Control, who inspected the site thoroughly, and have advised us that it is not possible either to move or exterminate the bees.  Removal would normally entail digging out the hive and relocating. Because of its location in an extensive rabbit warren, this is not possible in this case.

Extermination needs to be complete, if it is not to make matters worse. Again, because of the location in a rabbit warren, attempts to exterminate are likely to be incomplete, agitate the remaining bees and therefore make matters worse. Small numbers of occasional visitors to the cemetery should not be alarmed by this situation, as the bees are not normally bothered by the presence of humans. In the case of a funeral and large numbers of people being present at one time, we will be liaising with the relevant funeral director to communicate the situation to those who may be in attendance.

The area will be fenced off for the next few weeks while the bees are expected to be there.
FROM FOD Pest Control report: 29/6/2023
“No Action has been taken due to:
• the Tree Bumble Bees (Bombus Hypnorum) being in such a large area that spreads across several graves
• the European badger (Meles meles) has found them and there is then a very high risk of non-target species poisoning of a protected species (the European badger (Meles meles) is protected by English Law). So in conclusion, no treatment is possible.

Recommendation
"Area to be cordoned off and clergy and guests to be made aware off the Tree Bumble Bees (Bombus Hypnorum) and that you at the Parish Office of the Mid-Wyedean Churches, have done all that is possible.”

Reverend Sarah Bick
Vicar, Mid-Wyedean Churches