Devizes musician Dave Doherty is making quite a buzz with his new album to raise money for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

Mr Doherty, 31, said his childhood love of the honey-making insects inspired him to make the record, which he is recording in a tent at a friend’s house in Chirton.

“This project is as much about raising funds for the excellent Bumblebee Conservation Trust as it is making a great record,” said Mr Doherty, who hopes to finish the album by July 19.

“I’ve kept all overheads as low as humanly possible – working from a tent is just one example of this – and the whole project is very eco-friendly.”

The recording is being run in partnership with Pledge Music, an online platform that helps artists raise money directly from the public and lets supporters take part in the creative process.

Mr Doherty, who used to be in the Devizes band Hitchmo and more recently played blues with local musician Jon Amor, was inspired to help the charity after realising the toll his own travel was taking on the environment.

He developed a love for bees in particular as a youngster growing up in Chirton.

He said: “With the school we used to go to Alan Pope’s house in Conock.

“He kept bees and he let us get close to them. Since then I have always liked bees and they are incredibly important.”

“When I realised they were in serious trouble – we have lost a few species already – I decided to help.”

Drummer Clive Deamer, who has played for Radiohead, Roni Size and Robert Plant, is providing the beats for the instrumental album, which is entirely written by Mr Doherty.

To pledge your support, visit www.pledgemusic.com/ themanukaproject.

Mr Doherty has asked supporters to give a minimum donation of £8.