If like me you keep finding dead bees on the ground when you're out and about, it's worth knowing that:
Bees can only fly 40 minutes without food
Bees need water
Numbers are crashing in the UK, and with continued habitat loss these important pollinators are relying more and more on our gardens for nectar. We all know the essential role they play in our food- and eco-system, so we need to act fast to save them. See below for nine ways to help them right away.
1. Plant nectar-rich flowers
Lavender, sedums, borage, scabious, honeysuckle and crab-apple are great, while plants with double or multi-petalled flowers are difficult to access and often lack nectar. Wildflowers are an easy way to cater for bees.
2. Plant for all seasons
A range of nectar-rich shrubs, perennials and annuals will provide food from early spring to late autumn.
3. Let grass grow
Clover, speedwell and dandilions are nectar-rich and could save a hungry bee.
4. Ditch the poisons
Avoid treating your garden with synthetic pesticides, fertilisers and herbicides as they harm bees and other wildlife. Use natural solutions instead.
5. Make a bee bowl
Fill a bowl with stones and water, ensuring stones break the water’s surface.
6. Plant trees
Bees get most of their nectar from trees, which provide thousands of blossoms and are an essential habitat. Help them by planting with Green Up Britain.
7. Care for exhausted bees
Place a grounded bee on a nectar-rich flower or offer a 50:50 sugar-water mix.
8. Give bees a home
Leave an untouched space in your garden for bumblebees to build nests. Solitary bees live in small hollows, and bee hotels (which are easy to make or buy), are perfect for them.
9. Teach Tomorrow’s Bee Stewards
Get your kids/grandkids buzzed about bees by explaining how amazing they are, and how important they are too.
You can help us Green Up Britain via -
Donation - every penny helps restore nature around the UK
Volunteering - join our growing list of helpers
Sponsorship - we'll plant trees on behalf of your company
Comments