Bee Conservation with Prof Dave Goulson – Crane Valley Partnership Projects
The Hanworth Air Park Biodiversity Project began in early 2023 with ecology events on the park looking at its flora and fauna. Organiser Sarah Houghton invited us last Saturday to an inspiring talk by Prof Dave Goulson about conservation of bees and not only bees but all insect life on Earth. Hanworth Village Hall was packed with people of all ages to hear about the wonders of insects and the threats they face and to learn what we can do in our own lives to protect them. Local community and voluntary organisations and academic researchers made inspiring displays of their work in nature conservation. In the audience was the Mayor of Hounslow, Councillor Amy Croft (Chiswick Riverside ward) and we heard a passionate opening speech from Seema Malhotra, MP for Feltham and Heston.
More than a million species of insects have been named worldwide and seven out of ten known species are insects. They are a vital part of the web of life on Earth, valuable in themselves and as a food source for birds and mammals, as processors of natural waste and as pollinators, not least for our own food crops. One study has shown a seventy percent decline over twenty six years in the weight of insects caught in traps. Years ago, car windscreens on country journeys used to become covered in insects and this is becoming rare – not exact science but an everyday sign of insect decline.
Insects are suffering from loss of habitat, pesticides, light pollution and climate change. The ways we can help seem tiny in comparison but many small actions can add up to a big change. Helpful actions for gardeners include planting gardens with native species, leaving grass long, keeping cuttings as habitat piles and avoiding use of pesticides and herbicides. Dog owners can help by using flea treatment only for actual problems and not just for prevention. Local councils and highways authorities can play an important part in their management of verges and green spaces.
On my way to the talk I saw this pollinator-friendly planter at Northfields station. Good for TfL, because a tube station platform is not the most obvious candidate for helping insect life!
This event was amazing, with great thanks to Sarah Houghton and all the volunteers and organisers who gave a warm reception and provided lovely cake and other refreshments.
Dave Goulson is Professor of Biology (Evolution, Behaviour and Environment) at the University of Sussex. He is the author of inspiring books about insect conservation including Silent Earth and The Garden Jungle.
The Bee Conservation event was held on Saturday 20th September 2025. Organised by Friends of Hanworth Park House and Environmental Champions. Supported by London Borough of Hounslow, National Park City and Crane Valley Partnership.