FEW things make as much noise on a quiet summer’s day as a bumblebee.

But for reasons that scientists do not fully understand, fewer and fewer of them are buzzing around our country nowadays.

It may seem like a small matter – but bees play a crucial role in nature’s fabric.

Indeed, they somehow contribute around £500m to the country’s economy.

Scientists and other experts gathered yesterday to discuss in detail what needs to be done to keep them flying.

For their sake and ours, let’s hope they came up with something that will work.