Bees
Why we need to look after bees……
Whilst the impact of climate change has seen a lot of well deserved mainstream attention in recent years, the threat to biodiversity is just as important. The variety and balance of life on our planet is crucial to life as we know it. With all species playing an important role in the way that we as humans live. We rely so heavily on other species, who’s actions look after us, yet we’re not looking after them.
In January of 2020, the Royal Geographical Society of London, the Earthwatch Institution declared bees as the most important living species on the planet. With bees performing around 80% of all pollination, which in turn produces one in every three mouthfuls of food that we eat.
Although this is a much deserved recognition, it is indeed concerning as bees are in fact on the endangered species list. And why, because of us. In recent years there has been a dramatic 90% decline in the bee population. With the reasons being deforestation, use of pesticides, climate change and lack of habitat due to urban and suburban development as well as agriculture and farming. If we can’t sympathise with the simple bee then surely we can see it don’t bode well for us either.
Bee engaged!
Small but important ways in which we can help look after our crucial bee population.
Plant a bee garden. No matter the size of space you have it all helps. In fact, urban bees have a wonderful diet due to the varied flowers on offer within smaller airspace. Some bee favourites - Lavender, Allium, Foxgloves, Dahlias, poppies, Rosemary, Chives, French, runner and broad beans.
Plant flowers, trees, shrubs, vegetables that will flourish throughout the seasons to provide a year-round bee habitat. For some lovely suggestions take a look at my other post, a bees diet.
Let the grass grow. This provides a place to shelter and feed. In fact, 80% of lawns can support approximately 400 bees a day from the nectar sugar produced by flowers such as dandelion, white clover and selfheal. But 20% of lawns (dubbed 'superlawns') can support 10 times as many – up to 4,000 bees a day.
Put down the pesticides and go chemical-free. Instead, opt for natural methods. Encourage predator insects into the garden such as ladybirds, frogs and birds. They’ll soon get rid of pesky slugs and aphids.
Add a bee bath to your outdoor space. Bees work up quite a thirst foraging and collecting nectar. Fill a shallow bowl with water and arrange a few large stones in there so that bees can have a refreshing drink whilst keeping themselves safe.
Create a bee home. With the exception of honeybees, most bees are solitary creatures. 70% of solitary bees live underground, while 30% live in holes inside of trees or hollow stems. Why not help out and create a bee hotel. There are lots of tutorials available online.
Teach the next generation. Pass on your knowledge to your children, your friend’s children, your neighbour’s children. We should all know how important bees are and what we can do to help.
