Bees are very important to humans. Many of the crops in the UK are dependent on visits from bees. In fact, one third of the food we eat would probably not be available without the help of bees.
Bees are in danger of disappearing from our environment. Heavy use of toxic sprays on flowers, intensive agriculture and a reduction in the number of insect pollinated crops has brought about a huge drop in bee populations. So what can we do to help?
1. Plant bee-friendly flowers
Not only do they look lovely and smell amazing, they are very helpful to bees. Flowers and flowering herbs provide both a home and pollen.
2. Weeds can be a good thing
A lawn full of clover and dandelions is a haven for honeybees so don’t worry about letting your lawn live a little!
3. Let a part of your garden grow wild
Leave a small area of your garden to grow wild to provide bee nesting sites. Carder bumblebees will make their nest in long grass.
4. Think twice about using pesticides
Pesticides can be harmful to bees. Try natural methods of pest control such as putting up bird boxes and blasting aphids with water.
5. Make a bee hotel
You can give bees a safe place to build nests and lay eggs by making a simple bee hotel and hanging it in your garden. One of the most simple bee hotels you can make is out of a log.
Click here for instructions on how to make your own bee hotel