New Bumblebee book creates a buzz
Illustrator Jean Beard, guest speaker and international landscape gardener Mary Reynolds, and authors Margaret Tallott and Katherine Mangan pictured at the recent launch of ‘An Bhumbóg Mhór Bhuí ar Strae’.
A charming bilingual children’s book was recently launched in Áras Inis Gluaire, Belmullet by internationally celebrated landscape designer and founder of the global environmental movement ‘We are the ARK’, Mary Reynolds.
The Wexford native was hugely impressed with the new book, titled ‘An Bhumbóg Mhór Bhuí ar Strae’ (‘The Great Yellow Bumblebee Goes Astray’), which follows the story of an endangered bee’s journey westwards, searching for sustenance on her way to the beautiful and biodiverse habitats of Erris and Belmullet.
Mary expressed hope that it would encourage the next generation “to become guardians rather than gardeners” and that it was important to be kind to nature, to the earth and to all the little creatures that need protection.
The beautifully illustrated book is a unique initiative by Baile Slachtmhar Bhéal an Mhuirthead volunteers Katherine Mangan and Margaret Tallott.
Katherine expressed her delight with the launch and the local passion for the bumblebee.
“It is an exciting and innovative project which has been brought to fruition by our voluntary group with the assistance of Mayo County Council Heritage Office," she explained. "It was a great honour to have Mary Reynolds here to launch it and it was a joy to listen to her speak so passionately about biodiversity. As advocates for the Great Yellow Bumblebee, we are delighted that Mary talked about how vital it is to protect and support little creatures in order for them to continue pollinating lots of healthy plants for us to eat and enjoy.”
Margaret said they are thrilled to see the book hitting the shelves.
“This publication is a further reflection of the nationally acclaimed work of Belmullet Tidy Towns in relation to biodiversity and sustainability. We hope that the book will create more awareness about the Great Yellow Bumblebee’s plight and about all the work that we are trying to do here in Erris to protect it. We were so lucky to have someone of Jean Beard’s calibre on board with us – her illustrations are so beautiful and her commitment to the layout and design of the book was steadfast. We have already got interest from the national media and we are excited to see it on the bookshop shelves!”
Belmullet has become a focal point for the conservation of the bumblebee in Ireland. It was the site for a project focusing on working with farmers who are willing to enhance flora-rich farmland habitats on their land and provide vital food and nesting places for bees.
The Belmullet community adopted our most endangered bee, the Great Yellow Bumblebee, and have worked tirelessly to protect and encourage their remaining populations. The bee features on a mural in the town which depicts the rich and unique biodiversity in the Erris region.
‘An Bhumbóg Mhór Bhuí ar Strae’ is available to buy from: Carey’s Newsagents and Bookstore (Main Street, Belmullet); Hegarty’s Gift Shop (Carter Square, Belmullet); Oifig Fáilte (Tourist Office, Main Street, Belmullet); Áras Inis Gluaire (Belmullet); SOLAS Visitor Centre (Eachléim); Castle Book Shop (Castle Street and Main Street, Castlebar).
