THE low-lying meadows of Gwent are one of the few remaining habitats of the Shrill Carder Bee, once common in the UK.

The population is concentrated in the southern portion of Monmouthshire on the Gwent Levels and in the Five Lanes area and perhaps in the Caerwent/Caldicot area on low lying grasslands.

Bees need herb rich grassland. Once the grassland habitat was common in South Monmouthshire but is now rare due to modern farming methods. It is, however, found on military ranges, of which there is a large one in the South Monmouthshire area.

Many other species of bumble bee occur in the county on flower-rich grasslands, but all face threats. Bees are vital to human life. Without insects like the bee to fertilise our fruits and vegetables we would find feeding our large populations exceedingly difficult.

This Thursday November 18 the Monmouthshire Meadows Group, a charity which promotes the preservation of herb rich meadows, will be holding a meeting at The Priory, Monmouth.

Dr. Pippa Rayner, of the Bumble Bee Trust, will talk about bumble bees and our local rarity, the Shrill Carder Bee. The talk begins at 7pm (free entry). To book for dinner afterwards (£10pp) email [email protected]">[email protected] telephone 01600 719890; or [email protected]">[email protected] telephone 01989750740

On Friday (November 19) Dr. Rayner will talk at Shirenewton Recreation Hall at 7pm. Free entry. Coffee and cakes to follow (donations welcome).