The plight of the bumble bee could be eased if an ambitious plan by a Baildon man can blossom within the next few days.

Retired businessman John Mason hopes he can garner enough local support to get grants from two eco-friendly schemes which are just about to close for entries.

“I was watching BBC’s Countryfile last Sunday and they had a feature on ‘Planting for Wildlife’ which is a lottery-funded project for areas of nominated land,” said Mr Mason, 67.

“I immediately thought of Baildon Green, which is about three acres of coarse grassland and a conservation area owned by Bradford Council.

“The cut-off date for entry is June 9 and so I sent off a form. But now there has to be a quick public meeting of those in favour – or against – in order for the application to stand a chance.”

Mr Mason contacted Bradford Council’s Countryside department and was also told of another scheme this time run by the Co-op called Plan Bee.

This provided funding for wildflower corridors to help Britain’s blighted bees and other pollinating insects.

“I asked friends if it was viable to form a group and I’ve already applied for that scheme under the name “Baildon Greeners” because the closing date for that was May 31,” Mr Mason said. “Putting these two schemes together could be a real opportunitiy to transfom Baildon Green without making it into a park or anything contrived.

“For example making it into a wildflower meadow would mean having to mow it to keep it in order.

“Seed would need to be properly planted under compost, but once that’s done it would just get on with it.

“And it would be great to do something to keep the bee in Baildon,” Mr Mason said.

He sought advice from Baildon Councillor Debbie Davies, (Con) who said she welcomed the idea.

“It sounds like an initiative which could be a positive thing for Baildon.

“I wish him well – it’s a refreshing attitude!” Coun Davies said.

Baildon Community Link on Cliffe Lane has agreed to give a room for Mr Mason’s emergency meeting on Thursday June 6 at 7.30pm. Anyone interested in taking part and airing their views can contact Mr Mason at johncmason7@gmail.com urn can offer a rich habitat and essential pollen and nectar sources for a host of pollinators such as honeybees, hoverflies, butterflies and moths.”