Next Summer we’re off to Ulan Ude. We thought we’d take the scenic route - Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia... We also thought we’d drive it in a dinky little micro van (presently unnamed) who is currently more rust than van.

It has dawned on us that this is quite a long way. With no major disasters it will probably take us around 6 weeks, which will quite possibly be the longest time that Matt and I have ever spent in each others company.

Despite the fact that we couldn’t think of anything that sounded more fun to do with our summer than spend it driving through the desert eating goats testicles and drinking yak milk,  it has presented a rather wonderful opportunity to do a spot of fundraising.

In the last 80 years our bumblebee populations have crashed. Two species have become nationally extinct and several others have declined dramatically. 

These declines have occurred mainly because of large-scale changes to the way the countryside is managed. First the mechanisation of agriculture, then later the public demand for cheap food, the need for ever-greater quantities of food and crops, and the increasing reluctance to buy ‘wonky’ fruit and vegetables have conspired to hugely reduce the nationwide density of the flowering plants that bumblebees feed on, as well as the sheltered corners that they nest and overwinter in.

Bumblebees are an important and cherished component of our biodiversity - our commoner bumblebee species contribute significantly to our economy through the ecosystem service that their pollination of crops provides. Pollination is vital for many of the nation’s wild plants and it helps to maintain affordable five-a-day fruit and vegetables. Bumblebees also support the wider ecosystem through pollinating a diversity of wild plant species. 

We are raising money to help support the Bumblebee Conservation Trust in their mission to halt and reverse declines in the UK’s bumblebees. Their work includes raising the awareness of the general public and policy makers, conducting surveys and gathering data and providing land management advice. Please help the Bumblebee Conservation Trust in achieving their vision of a countryside rich in bumblebees and wildflowers.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.