BEE KIND

With numbers declining, British bees need our help. Here’s how to reverse the trend in the UK

- HELENA CARTWRIGHT

We tend to think these busy pollinators just provide us with honey, but in fact, they’re to thank for much of the food we eat. These little insects have a huge impact – they’re vital for life on earth, contributing around £690 million to the UK economy through their pollination. Without them, it would cost UK farmers £1.8 billion a year to pollinate our crops. But numbers are declining; habitat loss means food and shelter is harder to come by, and the use of pesticides can be poisonous, as well as decimating their food sources. The experts at compostdirect.com reveal the many initiatives taking place across the country to help boost our bees…

Newcastle cuts down on mowing

Newcastle City Council has taken an innovative step to not only protect bees’ habitats and the flowers they need, but also to improve biodiversity across the city and surrounding areas. Its mowers are to be used 75% less across parks and verges, and it has also planted pollinator-friendly flowers, eliminated use of pesticides, and provided education to residents on the importance of bees.

Liverpool is buzzing