On World Bee Day, 20 May, we recognise the important role that bees play in our environment.
Bees are responsible for pollinating many of the world's food crops, ensuring the production of fruits, vegetables, and nuts that are critical to our food supply.
Unfortunately, bees are facing numerous threats, including habitat loss, disease, pesticide use, and climate change.
According to a United Nations report, over 40% of insect pollinators, including bees, are at risk of extinction in the next two decades.
Fortunately, there are simple steps that everyone can take to help save the bees.
“You don’t need a large garden to help your local bee population,” says Kelly Martin from gardening website Urban Garden Gal.
“Grow some flowers in containers, plant a flowering tree or replace part of your lawn with clover to give bees a valuable source of food."
Bees are active from early spring until late autumn, so choose plants that bloom at different times of the year.
Place some shallow dishes of water with rocks around your garden for thirsty bees to drink from.
Support local beekeepers by purchasing natural honey, beeswax and other bee products.
Avoid using pesticides and chemical fertilisers which can harm bees and other pollinators. Instead, try using natural pest control methods and organic fertilisers to keep your plants healthy and bee-friendly.
Not all bees are social creatures that live in hives. Many bees are solitary and nest in the ground or in crevices. Provide some nesting places like bee hotels or leave a small patch of bare soil in your garden for the bees to nest.
Martin adds, “Bees are crucial pollinators for our food supply, and by providing places for them to nest, we can help to ensure their survival and the health of our ecosystem.”
“There is no better way to show appreciation for these amazing creatures than by providing them with a safe place in which they can thrive.”
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Distributed by Pressat