World Bee Day: the critical role of bees
Designated by the United Nations (UN), today marks World Bee Day — a day on which the critical role of bees is highlighted globally by brands and organizations in the hope of raising awareness of the importance of protecting these small but mighty pollinators.
“The goal is to strengthen measures aimed at protecting bees and other pollinators, which would significantly contribute to solving problems related to the global food supply and eliminate hunger in developing countries. We all depend on pollinators and it is, therefore, crucial to monitor their decline and halt the loss of biodiversity,” says the UN. “Bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats and hummingbirds, are increasingly under threat from human activities. Pollination is, however, a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystems. Nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend, entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75% of the world’s food crops and 35% of global agricultural land. Not only do pollinators contribute directly to food security, but they are key to conserving biodiversity.”
As World Bee Day is marked across the globe, we take a look at how some UK stakeholders and bee enthusiasts are promoting the cause.
Get your guide
The Soil Association has released a new digital guide to help people identify 12 of the 250 different species of bees found in UK parks, gardens and allotments.
From garden and honey varieties to hairy footed and buff tailed, a free downloadable graphic poster offers pointers on the characteristics of seven commonly seen bees, and details the best time of year to spot them, where they live and what they like to eat.
The poster includes a QR code which can be scanned for a further guide on nature-friendly gardening.
Pollinator Power
Filmed at the eco factory and organic gardens of Neals Yard Remedies in Dorset, Andy Benson from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust has compiled a new seven-module course titled Pollinator Power: A Guide to Bumblebees and Biodiversity.
Participants are invited to join a journey of ‘awe, action and connection’ as this bee expert uncovers the ‘untold story of bumblebees and why they matter more than you ever imagined’. Learn how to identify different bee species, plant with purpose in gardens and window boxes and engage in pollinator-friendly practices.
Support and save
Brands unite to celebrate World Bee Day: Gnaw Chocolate, Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co and the Scottish Bee Co have teamed up for the month of May to offer shoppers a 15% online discount across their hero ranges.
Bee-focused products include Gnaw’s Bee Happy and Honeycomb & Caramel chocolate bars; Hive Mind’s Honeyade (Just Honey, Strawberry & Basil, Lime & Mint and Rhubarb & Ginger); and Scottish Bee Co’s Chocolate Spread with Honey.
Collectively, the brands also recommend supporting the ‘noble honey bee’ by taking part in No Mow May: “Saving a strip of lawn or another wild area of the garden can be a great way to help struggling pollinators. Letting the weeds grow in May can give an essential food supply for pollinators until the summer kicks in properly.”
By Rosie Greenaway, editor