Plant Growth

Bees are responsible for the production of many seeds, nuts, fruit, and berries

Pollination

Bees earn their reputation as busy workers by pollinating billions of plants each year, including millions of agricultural crops. In fact, pollinators like bees play a key role in one out of every three bites of food we eat. Without them, many plants we rely on for food would die off.

Perfect pollinators

Pollination is crucial because many of our vegetables, fruits and the crops that feed our livestock rely on it to be fertilised, so without it, we could go hungry. Vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus and cucumber rely on the pollination of bees, as do apricots, strawberries, apples, tomatoes and almonds. 

Biodiversity

As pollinators, bees play a part in every aspect of the ecosystem. They support the growth of trees, flowers, and other plants, which serve as food and shelter for creatures large and small. Bees contribute to complex, interconnected ecosystems that allow a diverse number of different species to co-exist.

There is no doubting the importance of bees to our food supply. Without them, our gardens would be bare and our plates empty. But we should also remember the other reasons bees are important to the environment.

Buy honey and support your local beekeeper 

By buying honey of a local beekeeper, you help keep yourself and your local community healthy. When doing so, you support local beekeepers and their bees. 

Plant bee-friendly plants

This is one of the easiest ways to help the bees as sadly, the bee population numbers are dwindling all over the country, so gardeners are being urged to think carefully about encouraging bees back into their garden by planting flowers and plants that provide food and shelter for the bees.

The following are all great options;

Provide shelter for bees

Bees need to nest and hibernate, just like most invertebrates. You can create your own shelter, or you can even purchase a readymade ‘bee hotel’. Hang these in a sheltered spot in your garden that is nice and sunny! 

Have shallow water available

Bees need water to survive, just like us! Providing water for them is crucial, however if the water container is too deep, they may drown! A good idea is to place some pebbles, floating wood, or small stones in an outdoor bird bath. Bees cannot swim, so ensure that whatever you do they are able to have access to the water without treading water.

Help bees in need

If you spot a solitary bee in need, often they are exhausted and are in need to a pick-me-up. You can do this by mixing two tablespoons of white sugar with one tablespoon of water. Place it near the bee so it can help itself to it, and hopefully save the bee! 

Do not mow the lawns as often

Mowing the lawns too often means we are destroying lawn weeds such as dandelions, which are excellent bee plants that provide vital pollen. If you cannot bear to let your lawn grow, consider leaving a patch to give them a chance to flower.