Bumbling Along

There is growing concern about a shortage of bumble-bees in the UK (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/22/chemicals-bees-decline-major-study) and a major study suggests that a 'cocktail' of chemicals are messing with their brains. A reduction of these important pollinating insects is of great economic importance to fruit and crop production. Most of the chemicals result from agricultural practices. It consequently seems a bit premature (as has been advocated) to start hacking at the legislation ('red tape') surrounding farming activities (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/21/green-campaigners-farm-review-nfu). A batch of Short-haired bumble-bees reintroduced to the country from New Zealand (where they were transported) died almost as soon as they were released!