Support Bees
Bees are vital to pollinate both flowers and food crops. Climate change and the use of pesticides are threatening their numbers.They are the most important insects on the planet securing the future of our fresh vegetables and fruit.
Pledge 1 – Make a Bee Hotel
Solitary bees live and build their nests alone,in hollow stems and beetle holes. Create a hotel where they can lay their eggs and it is likely they will take up residence. When siting your bee hotels, make sure they’re placed in direct sun and that the ‘burrows’ run horizontally.
Solitary bees live and build their nests alone,in hollow stems and beetle holes. Create a hotel where they can lay their eggs and it is likely they will take up residence. When siting your bee hotels, make sure they’re placed in direct sun and that the ‘burrows’ run horizontally.
- Friends of the Earth website: Make a bee house
- Woodland Trust website How to make bee hotel
- Join wildlife artist and ecologist John Walters in his garden in Buckfast to learn all about the hairy-footed flower bee and other bees of his garden and how you can encourage them at your home.
Pledge 2 - Plant Bee Attracting Plants
Bees forage from nectar and pollen rich flowers.Bee species’ tongues vary in size so it is good to provide different shaped flowers.Find suggestions on the following websites.
Bees forage from nectar and pollen rich flowers.Bee species’ tongues vary in size so it is good to provide different shaped flowers.Find suggestions on the following websites.
- Friends of the Earth website – bee-friendly plants
- Gardeners World website – Plants for bees
Pledge 3 - Pesticide Free Garden
Pesticides are extremely toxic to bees including neonicotinoids, which are highly lethal to honey bees in particular . Pesticides can kill other beneficial insects including pollinators and natural enemies that control common pests like aphids. Join the Pesticide Free Garden Pledge in our pledge menu.
Pesticides are extremely toxic to bees including neonicotinoids, which are highly lethal to honey bees in particular . Pesticides can kill other beneficial insects including pollinators and natural enemies that control common pests like aphids. Join the Pesticide Free Garden Pledge in our pledge menu.
SOLITARY BEE WEEK - 28TH JUNE - 4TH JULY 2021 - "Whether you're wearing stripes to work, carrying out one of our simple pledge ideas, or joining in the fun on social media, you can Earn Your Stripes and make a difference."