This Saturday is World Bee Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the incredible pollinators that play a vital role in our planet’s ecosystem. From honeybees to bumblebees, the UK is home to over 250 different bee species. On top of this, these tiny creatures are responsible for pollinating up to a third of the food we eat. Despite their critical importance though, bees are facing numerous challenges, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and, most importantly, climate change.
Together though, we can make a difference, securing the future of bees and our planet. As overwhelming as that sounds, simple changes and lifestyle adoptions can really make a big change to your local bee population. Let’s look at what we can do to #savethebees!
Planting for Pollinators
A great start when it comes to helping the bees is attracting them with plants. There are plenty that will do the trick. Bees are attracted to plants that produce nectar and pollen, so it’s important to choose plants that will provide them with plenty of food.
One of the best plants for attracting bees is lavender. Bees love the fragrant flowers, which produce lots of nectar. Other great options include sunflowers, daisies, and wildflowers. These plants are not only beautiful, but they’re also great for the environment because they provide food for bees and other pollinators.
(Do take precautions with some wildflowers such as foxgloves, as they can be toxic to household pets and other animals.)
When choosing your plants, it’s important to choose a variety that will bloom at different times throughout the year. This ensures that there is always something for the bees to feed on.
Bee a Hero: Tending to a Sick Bee
This World Bee Day is a great chance to learn about helping sick bees if you come across one. Bees are struggling a lot right now due to climate change and get sick more easily at a time where they should be thriving. As such, here are some things to consider:
Firstly, approach a sick bee slowly and gently as they may feel threatened, becoming agitated.
Next, the best remedy for a sick bee is feeding it a bit of sugar water. You can make this by mixing one part sugar and four parts water. Place it on something the bee can feed off of like a spoon of a leaf and let it drink. This should help re-energise the bee to fly off again. If you are on the go, you can get special keyrings to fill with sugar water, tending to a sick wherever you are.
Finally, if the bee is injured, you may have to move it to a safer location. Help the bee onto a loose leaf and take it to a flower or plant to rest up. Be sure to keep an eye on the bee to make sure it’s not in danger from predators or other hazards.
Donate to a Sweet Cause this World Bee Day
There are many charities and organizations in the UK dedicated to saving the bees and helping them to thrive in the future. Below are just a handful to consider pledging a donation to:
Bumblebee Conservation Trust – Focused on the ‘plight of the bumblebee’, this organization is in its five year strategy to help bumblebees and increase their population.
Bee Friendly Trust – Beginning with two urban beekeepers, this newer charity has grown exponentially when it comes to saving the bees in populated areas.
British Beekeepers Association – The hubspot for beekeepers and prospective beekeepers, they also have their own donation platform to save the bees.
The Wildlife Trusts – This long-running wildlife organization has its own campaigns for bees specifically, including extra steps on how to help bees in your garden.
Create a Buzz: Your World Bee Day Pics
We would love to see what work you do for World Bee Day. Feel free to email us in some pictures or tag us in your posts on Social Media. Make sure to use the tag #savethebees!
