A local entomologist has a sting in his step after discovering a rare species of bee inhabiting new areas of the Vale of Glamorgan.

The Carrot Mining Bee was first discovered in Wales in July 2020 at Lavernock Point Local Nature Reserve near Penarth, having been formerly restricted to southern counties of England.

Carrot Mining Bee communities now found at Porthkerry and Cosmeston Lakes country parks are "unexpected but very exciting" discoveries that take the total known communities in Wales to three – all of which are within the Vale of Glamorgan.

Local entomologist, Liam Olds, who found the new Carrot Mining Bee communities said: "The discovery of this scarce bee at two country parks within the Vale of Glamorgan is unexpected but very exciting and emphasises the important wildlife value of these country parks.

"The Vale of Glamorgan is clearly a special place for the Carrot Mining Bee and hopefully this scarce bee will continue to flourish and spread throughout the county."

So named because of the Wild Carrot flowers from which it collects pollen, the Carrot Mining Bee's penchant for Penarth, and now Porthkerry and Cosmeston, is thought to be in part because of local rewilding projects.

The UK has lost 97% of its wildflower meadows since the 1930s during which time seven bee species have been wiped out in Wales, according to Buglife Cymru.

Of the 190 bee species remaining, a further five are on the brink of extinction.

Various conservation initiatives that include the Vale's Local Nature Partnership and The Conservation Grazing project aim to combat this decline and revive local biodiversity.

Emily Shaw, Vale Local Nature Partnership Co-ordinator said: "As the only county in Wales to record this scarce bee, the discovery highlights how little is known about nature in the Vale of Glamorgan and in Wales.

"The Welsh Government's Local Places for Nature fund has been an invaluable support for the Local Nature Partnership.

She added: "These projects are not only helping to increase and support local biodiversity, but they are also improving our understanding and awareness of threatened species, helping to inform future conservation

Mel Stewart, Porthkerry Ranger, said: "The discovery of the Carrot Mining Bee, alongside lots of new species for the park, has been in part due to the 'rewilding' project on the old golf course.

"The creation of 12 new ponds, new shrub and plug planting, allowing natural regeneration and the meadow makers project, funded through the LNP last year, has created a range of fantastically biodiverse habitats on a once barren golf course."