As part of 'World Bee Day' we've compiled some information to help protect the bees.
Bees and other pollinators are becoming increasingly threatened by human activity. Pollination is a crucial part of the survival our ecosystems, with 90% of world’s wild flowering plant species (at least in part), 75% of worlds food crops and 35% of global agricultural land relying on animal pollination. Meaning pollinators are directly linked to food security and conserving biodiversity.
In the district we are supporting bees through our planting, we have Lavender, Hebe, Laurel, Holly, and Berberis in shrub beds, Hawthorn and Whitebeam in hedging and trees, and fruit trees in two community orchards. We are currently undertaking our seasonal planting in our flower beds, where we will be planting the following pollinator friendly flowers:
- Campanula carpatica (Tussock Bellflower)
- Gaura lindheimer ‘Whirling Butterflies’
- Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm' (Cornflower ‘Goldsturm’)
- Cosmos Sonata Mix
How you can help bees:
- Planting pollinator friendly flowers in your garden, for an extensive list of plants and when is best to plant them please see RHS Plants for Pollinators.
- Provide water for pollinators.
- Avoid using pesticides wherever possible.
- Let your grass grow longer to provide shelter.
- Create a small wood pile where bugs can shelter.
- Build a bee hotel, this’ll help replace lost habitats for solitary bees.
- If you find a tired bee in your garden, you can give them a one-off boost with sugar water.
- Take part in Bee Surveys, these help scientists track numbers and decide which species need protecting.
Also, you can support local beekeepers through buying local honey, this will keep their beehives going and help the local bee population. If you have space in your garden, you can offer your land for a beehive, find more information on The British Beekeepers Association.