The United Nations has declared that May 20th is World Bee Day. There are over 270 different types of bee species in the UK alone, and around 20,000 worldwide!
The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of the importance of bees and focus our attention on the threats that they are facing. Bees are becoming increasingly endangered due to human activities, such as changes in land-use, loss of habitat, climate change, and the use of pesticides.
Different types of bees live in different habitats, for example Solitary bees are commonly found in our back gardens during the Spring and Summer months, species include mining and leaf cutter bees. Whereas Honeybees are typically kept in hives, living in colonies of up to 50,000 bees in prime months such as July, and producing honey and wax. Bumblebees may be the most well known by us, they are large, round and have a pronounced buzz. They live in nests under buildings or in holes beneath the ground; Bumblebees also rarely sting unless they or their nest is disturbed.
Why are Bees so important?
- They are highly important pollinators.
- They protect and maintain ecosystems, animals, and plant life.
- They play a key role in the preservation of biodiversity, and helping to produce the food we eat.
- They can help to minimise hunger and preserve a healthy and diverse environment.
What can we do to help Bees?
- Grow plants which bloom in different seasons, so that bees have food to feast on over the entire year.
- If mowing your lawn, leave some of the vegetation uncut, or mow it less frequently. Leave wildflowers uncut (bees love them), or don’t mow your lawn at all for a while.
- Start growing your own fruit and vegetables, bees will help to pollinate your food.
- Making space for bees to nest, they like long grass, bird boxes and compost.
- Create a small area of water in your garden, to enable bees to drink from it.
- If necessary, ensure you are using bee-friendly pest detergents. Commercial pesticides are not safe for bees, negatively impacting their health.
- Lobby for greater protection of the beekeeping sector if you have space thinking about keeping bees.