Save The Bees
10 Simple Things YOU Can Do!

Bees are having a hard time, but we can all do our bit to help save the bees, even if you’re not able to become a beekeeper. Indeed, many other pollinators (not just honey bees) are in serious decline too. For example, in some countries, like the UK, some bumblebee species have gone extinct already. Many butterfly species are also struggling. Some of the steps you can take will help pollinators as a whole, as well as the bees. We need our bees, and helping them is surely in everyone's best interests, and it's everybody's job to do their bit, however small. You CAN make a difference, and here are some tips to help set you on your way to doing just that.


HELP SAVE THE BEES - CREATE HABITAT!

There is much you can do in your own gardens to help save the bees! Ensure you have flowers and plants in bloom for as long as possible in the garden. Some bee species may come out early, and will be looking for much needed pollen and nectar sources provided by spring bulbs such as daffodils and crocuses. Pussy willow and herbs such as rosemary are also useful. Remember, some bees will continue foraging late into the season too, so try to ensure you include late flowering blooms in your garden, such as winter heathers. Check out the following link (opens new window) featuring calendarised lists of great bee plants.

You could also make efforts to purchase plants, bulbs and seeds free of neonicotinoid and systemic insecticides - more about this below. These pesticides are used widely in Holland, a major supplier to garden centers, grocery multiples and other plant sellers. Why not establish a relationship with a local nursery or grower you can trust, and ask them whether or not they are using these products. The UK conservation charity, Buglife, is asking for a suspension of these pesticides, and for an overhaul of the regulatory system.

Another option is to purchase your plants, bulbs and seeds from organic suppliers.

Remember too that a supply of water and mud are useful. Some bees, such as Mason bees, use mud for constructing their nests.

OLD FASHIONED IS BEST!

When selecting plants for your garden, always remember that simple, old-fashioned varieties are better than highly cultivated ones. Herbs and heathers are generally great for bees, as well as traditional cottage style flowers (and whatever anyone says, they NEVER go out of fashion!).

SAVE THE BEES WITH WONDERFUL WILDFLOWERS!

Plant wildflowers in your garden, or even create a small meadow. There are several ways you could do this:

- allow a patch of lawn to grow, only mowing twice during the year (early and at the end of the season). Wait and see what comes up.

- sow seeds, or buy potted wildflowers (some may be difficult to establish otherwise).

- many grassy areas will not convert easily to meadow, because of resilient grasses that prevent wildflowers establishing themselves. If this is the case for you, sow a wildflower that is parasitic on tough grasses such as Yellow Rattle, which is loved by bees, and will out-compete the grass.

THINK TWICE ABOUT USING PESTICIDES

If you want to help save the bees, try natural methods of pest control - such as putting up bird boxes and blasting aphids with water. Even well-known garden pesticides containing neonicotinoids, are under suspicion. The same applies to lawn care products, many of which contain neonicotinoid pesticides.

Neonicotinoid pesticides can remain in the soil for years, and continue to be taken up by the plant (and the bees). Neonicoitinoids include imidacloprid, Acetimacloprid,Clothianidin, Thiacloprid, Thiamethoxam, Dinotefuran and Nitenpyram. To read more, follow this link about honey bee deaths and pesticides.

CREATE NEST SITES FOR BEES


A bundle of hollow canes could make a home for solitary bees. Some bumblebee species will take up residence in bird boxes, or an upturned plant pot (with holes) provisioned with bedding, and located in a secure, shady area. Take a look at this useful bees nest Q&A.

If you come across a bee nest or swarm, try not to disturb it. If it’s a solitary or bumblebee nest, they only last a season – and be careful not to mistake solitary bees for wasps, as some look alike. Most bees rarely sting unless provoked - see may page about bee sting facts.

Meanwhile, if you are concerned about a swarm or honey bee nest, contact a local beekeeper. Take a look at my information page about bee swarm removal.

SPREAD THE WORD


Spread the word about the need to help save the bees! This could range from sharing these tips to chatting with your neighbour or giving a talk about bees to your gardening groups.

CAREFULLY SELECT YOUR HONEY, HONEY!


If you are going to buy honey, buy local honey from a beekeeper you trust who cares about their bees.

GET INVOLVED! IT'S EVERYONE'S JOB!


There are lots of ‘Save the Bees’ types of initiatives, from signing petitions to ban suspect pesticides and GMO crops, to asking governments for more funds for positive action into helping bees and pollinators. Participate where you can.

SPEAK TO YOUR COUNCIL


Write to your local council or political representative. Tell them about the need to save our bees, and ask them to stop the use of pesticides in public spaces (from parklands to community planting schemes), to plant more bee-friendly plants, and to make space for wildflowers along verges etc.

HELP SAVE THE BEES - EAT ORGANIC!

Neonicotinoid and systemic pesticides are used in agriculture on food crops - and these of course, end up on the shelves of supermarkets.

Perhaps now is the time to start growing your own pesticide-free fruit & veg? You'll be surprised just how many corgettes and green beans you can grow - even in a few pots outside!

If you cannot grow your own, then try to select as much organic produce as you can when you are buying your shopping.

When you spend your cash, you cast a vote.

If you buy at least some organic produce, your purchases, along with those of others, will send a signal to retailers, which will ultimately send a signal to farmers.

It's as simple as that!


This is a brief snapshot of things we can do to save the bees, but there's more information on this site.


Have you done something to help the bees? Or do you have any tips to share? Find out what other members of the public have been doing to help the bees, or add your own tips to enthuse others! Go here!

Want to know about tip number 11? Go here!





Get more background information about the Missing Bees problem
The changes you make are important. Here’s a look at more in-depth information about the broader approach we need to take.


Honey Bee Deaths and Vanishing Bees
You may have heard of ‘Colony Collapse Disorder’, and of many honey bees dying. Learn more about this issue here.


Bee Garden Basics
Take a look at these handy hints for creating a bee garden!

Link back from Save The Bees to Home page.