A PARTNERSHIP between the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and a St Just based clothing company Earth Kind Originals (EKO) will help save the bees with a stylish new tote bag inspired by the insects.

EKO has designed and produced the bag inspired by Cornwall’s bees, with all the proceeds going to the Trust’s Bee Kind appeal.

Helen Davies, EKO Founder said: “As a proud business member of Cornwall Wildlife Trust, we are super excited about helping the Bee Kind appeal which will help to provide habitats for bees, gathering information and educating about the importance of these precious creatures.”

Expert conservationists at Cornwall Wildlife Trust have reported on the loss of good habitat across the UK, which has had a catastrophic impact on bees.

In a generation, 90 percent of lowland flower-rich grasslands have been lost, as well as 50 percent of ancient woodland, 40 percent of lowland heaths, 60 percent of raised bogs and 90 percent of flower-rich fen habitat.

In Cornwall the Wildlife Trust is working hard to conserve specialist wild bee species, such as the tormentil mining bee, because bees are known to be a keystone species for many ecosystems.

Jackie Southon, Cornwall Wildlife Trust fundraising manager said: “So far we have raised £14,000, but we need £4,000 more and buying one of these beautiful bags will help us to reach our target and enable us to carry out our work to conserve bees.”

Helen Davies continues,

“Inspiration for our womenswear comes from the colours of the Cornish coast and the feel good lifestyle that Cornwall promotes, so it was a perfect fit to give something back to the wildlife which gives us all so much. Our newly launched ‘Made in Cornwall’ range has given us an insight in how we can collaborate with local businesses to conserve our Cornish craftsmanship and heritage. So linking up with Cornwall Wildlife Trust has been a natural progression for the brand, and how business can be a change for good.”

Dee Reeves, a Trustee of Cornwall Wildlife Trust says: “It is down to all of us as individuals to make a difference and that is especially true when it comes to the conservation of such an important species. EKO’s ethical values match our ethos as a conservation charity. Through their business membership and the launch of the Bee Kind tote bags they are generously helping raise awareness and funds for this important appeal.”

The reusable bag is made from organic materials and will be launched at The Royal Cornwall Show on June 9. Bags will be available to buy from Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s stand (Showground 372 Map C1) where there will be more information about the Bee Kind appeal and project.

To find out more about the Trust’s Bee Kind Appeal, visit cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/beekind.