UK: Request licence to use bumblebees in the greenhouse

You can register to release non-native bumblebee colonies in commercial glasshouses if you own or manage a horticultural business or a research establishment that’s taking part in the Tomato Growers Association bee pollinator research project.

This licence allows you to release these species and their hybrids:

Bombus terrestris terrestris
Bombus terrestris dalmatinus

If you’re not taking part in the research project you might be able to register to use class licence CL28.

How to register to use this licence
You can only use this licence if you are registered to use it (the registered person), an accredited agent or an assistant to the registered person.

You can only register if your commercial horticulture business has been registered with Natural England.

To register for this licence you must send, ideally through [email protected]:

the name of a responsible person (such as the owner or manager)
the name and address (including post code), phone number and email address of the premises where you plan to release the non-native species

The licence can only be used at the address supplied to Natural England and by the registered person, accredited agents and their assistants.

Click here for more information.