A Norfolk council is set to embark on a crusade to protect bees, butterflies and wasps in a bid to prevent dwindling population levels.

West Norfolk Council is considering introducing a raft of measures which will put the needs of pollinators at the heart of its policies that aim to boost biodiversity.

This includes changes to how it manages green spaces at cemeteries and parks and introducing planning rules to ensure insect-friendly habitats are created.

Insects in the UK are thought to have declined by 75pc since 2004Insects in the UK are thought to have declined by 75pc since 2004 (Image: Newsquest)

The new policies from the Biodiversity Task Group, set up in 2023, has a budget of £80,000 to support its work and members are seeking to employ a project officer to bring the ideas to fruition.

A salary of between £35,000 and £40,000 per year has been proposed.

Councillor Michael De Whalley, cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity, said: "The plan before you is thoughtful, evidenced and innovative. Its actions are achievable and realistic."

The move follows recent findings that suggest 75pc of insects in the UK have vanished since 2004, with this decline potentially having huge ramifications upon the natural world and causing ecosystems to collapse.