Saving the small things that run the planet
The Tansy Beetle Action Group (TBAG) was set up, in 2008, to initiate and oversee conservation efforts aimed at saving the Tansy Beetle (Chrysolina graminis) from extinction in Britain.
TBAG is working to a five year conservation plan for the beetle.
The Group has undertaken a number of conservation measures to protect the Tansy Beetle, with funding from the HLF, Ernest Cooke Trust, SITA Trust, York business ‘Sumptuosity’ and a legacy donation.
These measures include:
- Removing riverside willow and Himalayan Balsam, which reduce Tansy growth;
- Planting Tansy clumps where there are large gaps, as the beetles can only walk a maximum of 200 metres;
- Creating ark sites, safe havens away from the river where beetle populations can be protected from summer floods which cause high mortality;
- Working with landowners and land managers to reduce grazing pressure on Tansy by using temporary fencing;
- Ensuring that, riverside landowners know the difference between Tansy and Ragwort;
- Yearly surveys by TBAG volunteers to monitor existing populations along the River Ouse and in Woodwalton Fen;
- Increasing public awareness of the beetle working with BIAZA partners e.g.: West Leeds Country Park Visitor Centre (Leeds City Council) and the Deep;
- Captive breeding to facilitate research introductions and reintroductions;
- Reintroductions and expansion within the East Anglian Fens.
Tansy Beetle Action Group
The Tansy Beetle Action Group comprises representatives from:
- Askham Byran College
- BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
- Buglife
- Carstairs Countryside Trust
- City of York Council
- Environment Agency
- National Trust
- Natural England
- Species Recovery Trust
- St Nicks
- The Deep
- University of York
- Wildfowl and Wetland Trust
- York Natural Environment Trust
Help us to stop the extinction of invertebrate species
Engage with our work
Stay up to date with our work and help spread the word by following us on our socials and signing up to our monthly BugBytes email newsletter.
Donate to support us
Every contribution helps us to save the small things that run the planet by restoring vital habitats and rebuilding strong invertebrate populations in the UK.
Make a donationBecome a member
Join a community of invertebrate champions and access exclusive member benefits from just £3 a month, all whilst supporting our vital conservation work.
Join us