We love this time of year, when the trees are in blossom and there is the gentle hum of bees buzzing in and out of the flowers. The promise of sunny days, new life all around us and the knowledge that the days are lighter and we can be outdoors for longer. What’s not to like?
But let’s talk about bees.
We all know that they are important to our lives but here are some fascinating facts that you might not know.
Bees have been around for millions of years.
Bees and other pollinators pollinate nearly three quarters of the plants that produce 90% of the world’s food.
A third of the world’s food production depends on the pollination by bees.
Bees and other pollinators pollinate nearly three quarters of the plants that produce 90% of the world’s food.
A third of the world’s food production depends on the pollination by bees.
It has been estimated that it would cost UK farmers £1.8 billion per year to manually pollinate their crops if there were no bees.
Bees are vital for the preservation of ecological balance and biodiversity in nature.
Bee numbers are declining at an alarming rate globally due to habitat loss, pesticide use and climate change.
In the UK we have 25 native species of bumble bees.
How can you help?
Fill your garden with bee friendly plants, foxglove, birdsfoot trefoil and red clover, which you can grow easily from a seedball bee mix. Simple to use, just scatter in your garden and watch the magic happen.
You don’t need a garden to help the bees
If you don’t have a garden and want to help, don’t worry. You can plant bee friendly plants and herbs in containers of all sizes on your window sill, around the house. Every little helps.
Give them a happy home
Hang up a bee hotel and watch the bees fill the tubes during the summer months ready to snuggle down in the winter months.
Help an exhausted bee
If you find a bee unmoving on the ground it is probably exhausted and needs a quick pick me up. Simply mix two tablespoons of white, granulated sugar with one tablespoon of water, placing it near the bee so it can help itself to this homemade energy drink.
Remember we all need bees and every little thing we do to help has a significant impact on their future.
So get buzzing! Share your bee friendly pics with us on social media
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