As many around Penarth are aware, Glass By Design owners Angelina and Cathy create beautiful monthly window displays. For their next display, they have chosen to support a wonderful charity in the hopes of raising awareness around the importance of supporting the bumblebees.
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust was established after concerns surrounding the decrease within the bumblebee population came to light. This decrease has occurred over a span of 80 years, with two species becoming nationally extinct and a worrying number of others having declined dramatically.
The Trust is on an inspirational mission to increase the number and distribution of bumblebees- a much loved insect that pollinates our crops and wildflowers.
They have four main aims:
-To Enhance the understanding of bumblebee ecology and conservation.
-Increase the quality and quantity of bumblebee habitat.
-Inspire and enable a diverse range of people to take action for bumblebees.
-Be an effective and sustainable organisation.
When asked about why they’ve chosen to support the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Cathy said: “We have chosen to support the Bumblebee Conservation Trust because it fits with our community purpose of raising awareness of important green issues. We are working alongside one of their supporters, who lives in Penarth and we are using our feature window as an educational tool for all.”
“The charity needs to get the message out there about the decline of bee numbers, a lot based on loss of habitats. We need to educate those of us with any size of green space on how to help them thrive.”
“This includes rewilding of lawns as one simple solution. Bees are such an important part of the balance of nature. We need to give them as much help and ‘be the change.”
To help support the Trust, Glass By Design are planning to hold bee related workshops, with £5 per place donated to the charity. Cathy added: “We also have a couple of bee posters for sale at £2 each and a few pin badges and postcards with all proceeds directly to the charity. There are some free leaflets, while stocks last, although we will encourage a donation.”
Angelina and Cathy’s unique items are currently on sale in store, with each design illustrating their passion for supporting a great cause.
“We also have a lovely selection of handmade bee work for sale in glass, miniature ceramic, needlefelt and wire made especially by some of our lovely makers.”
“So buzz on down to us to be a busy bee and bee the change in your own back garden.”
To support their efforts and to find out more, visit: https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/