Many species, especially insects, are under threat due to increasingly low biodiversity in the UK. Three species of oil beetle have already become extinct. The remaining 5 species are declining. Oil Beetles are reliant on an intricate, cyclical relationship between habitat and other species. To lose one element in that cycle can be catastrophic. Wild bees are key species, and oil beetles rely on them to survive. Insufficient suitable habitat results in declines that threaten their survival.

Wildflower lawns with associated tussock grassland nearby are favoured by oil beetles and solitary bees alike. These can be recreated through a combination of grazing and cutting. Wildflowers such as Field Scabious can be plug planted to attract solitary bees (large scabious mining bee). This will increase oil beetles’ chance of successful breeding. Volunteer engagement, training and monitoring will increase awareness and our ability to records and manage these sites for these species.