Johnsons Seeds have pledged more than £2,900 to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust from sales of its Mixed Bumblebee Friendly Flower seeds. 25p from each packet sold goes directly to the charity, whose mission is to increase the number and distribution of bumblebees.

Tessa Brooks, Fundraising Officer at the Trust, recently received a cheque for £2,981.75 from Johnsons' Helen Clayton.

Tessa said the Trust was delighted to be receiving continued support from Johnsons Seeds and their customers. "We are passionate about saving bumblebees and the generous donations we receive from Johnsons Seeds directly supports the work that we are doing to help achieve this.

"Populations of bumblebees have decreased rapidly over the past century, with two species becoming extinct in the UK. Our hope is that by encouraging people to grow bee-friendly flowers in their own gardens, we can go some way to reverse this decline, so we would like to thank everyone who has bought the packet from Johnsons Seeds.”

The varieties in the Mixed Bumblebee Friendly Flowers are a carefully selected and well-balanced combination of more than 25 annuals and perennials. These not only attract bumblebees but many other pollinating insects, and also provide colour in the garden right through the summer months.

Helen Clayton believes gardeners can play an important part in helping bumblebees just by growing certain types of flowers. "It is great that more people are taking such an interest in bumblebees and gardening increasingly with them in mind", she comments. For further information on the Bumblebee Conservation Trust log on to www.bumblebeeconservation.org

Johnsons seeds are available from garden centres, supermarkets and leading DIY stores throughout the UK and at www.johnsons-seeds.com