Robyn Lawrence
Bees do a lot more than just provide us with honey. The flying insects pollinate our flowers and crops. They bring us some of our most staple food items. But like much of nature, bees are disappearing too.
Tiny but mighty
There are over 20,000 different types of bees worldwide. With more than 270 species native to the UK, they pollinate 80% of our wildflowers. However, bees pollinate crops such as strawberries, apples and coffee. Without pollination, our food would be less nutritious. We would all be living with a limited food menu.
These small creatures are vital due to their power to pollinate vast landscapes. According to the Woodland Trust, it has been estimated that it would cost farmers in the UK an incredible £1.8 billion per year to manually pollinate their crops. Bees have the manpower no other human can equivalate to. Their sheer importance and money saving abilities are only one of many reasons why they need more protection.
A formidable, yet unsurprising decline
A third of UK bees have disappeared in the last 10 years. For many, extinction is close due to the destruction of nature. Unsurprisingly, this comes down to human actions. It’s not long before we annihilate bees.
“Mankind’s burning desire for more is leaving bees with less.”
Habitat loss is the leading factor of bees and other insects demise. They rely on wildflower meadows for food and shelter, which has drastically declined by 97% since 1945. Increased urban development and farming methods have encroached on land called home. Pesticides are not bee-safe, especially as they are sprayed onto plants that bees in particular are attracted to. When a bee comes to pollinate a crop, they ingest these pesticides. Studies have shown that pesticides damage a bee’s central nervous system. It’s harmful effects are staggering. Mankind’s burning desire for more is leaving bees with less.
The ever- pending doom we know as climate change stings bees too, which is predictably devastating. Bees rely on the scents of plants to search for food. Yet, these scents are changing due to extreme environmental changes. Finding plants for food therefore becomes more difficult. Climate change has also created a complex twist between the time flowers produce pollen and the time bees are ready to pollinate. It leads to the decline of bees and food shortages for animals and humans. Not only that, but bees become more susceptible to diseases with increased temperatures.
What can I do about it?
The problem is big, but reversible if we act now. Like many things, small changes can have a big difference.
- Plant Plant Plant
Having a range of flowers in your garden gives bees a greater choice. According to WWF, the best times to plant bee-friendly plants full of nectar are between March and October. Plants such as primroses, buddleia, foxgloves and marigolds are perfect. You can also buy, or build, insect hotels to provide a much needed respite for your garden visitors.
2. Bee more aware
I am seeing more bees on the ground than ever before. But that doesn’t mean they are dead. Tiredness gets to us all sometimes. A simple mixture of two teaspoons of white granulated sugar and one teaspoon of warm water does the trick. Simply pour onto a plate, spoon or drip onto a flower and place within reach of the bee to relieve its tiredness.
3. Bee friendly
I am the first to admit I’m not a fan of insects being near me. When a bee is nearby, our natural instinct is to scream or waft our arms. However, this behaviour could trigger an attack. Like many creatures, bees will only attack in self-defence. Remember, bees die several hours after stinging you. Remaining calm is your best, and only option.
4. Buy sustainable honey
Bee farming can be beneficial to wild populations. Buying organic honey ensures you are buying honey where bees have pollinated pesticide free areas. However, high numbers of honeybees creates unhealthy competition. Like many environmentally problematic foods, honey is best eaten less often.
Featured image courtesy of Jenna Lee via Unsplash. Image license found here. No changes have been made to this image.
Robyn Lawrence
Currently studying BA Journalism and Media at the University of Leeds. Love writing about nature, all things lifestyle and discussing important topics!