Page 44 - ALG Issue 2 2017

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Great British Bee Count 2017
Let’s make Britain bee-rilliant for bees!
Nature lovers are being urged by environmentalists, bee scientists and wildlife gardening experts to help the nation’s under-threat bees by creating pollinator-friendly gardens, schools and neighbourhoods, ahead of this year’s Great British Bee Count (19 May-30 June 2017).
Now in its fourth year, the Great British Bee Count inspires members of the public to download a fun, free app to identify and nd out more about how we can help some of the amazing bees that we share our towns and countryside with.
Over fteen thousand people took part in last year’s Great British Bee Count, organised by Friends of the Earth, with support from Buglife and sponsorship from Waitrose.
This year’s app is even better, with more bees and plant species, clearer identi cation and more information
on how to help bees. The bee
sightings will be mapped on www. greatbritishbeecount.co.uk and shared on the National Biodiversity Network, where researchers, experts and local authorities can access the data.
box, or persuade your school to create a bee friendly space – then sit back and enjoy the sight and sound of lovely buzzing bees. Cutting out pesticide sprays will help the bees, and the birds and butter ies too”.
Bee expert, Professor Simon Potts from the University of Reading said:
“Everyone can help our under-threat bees this spring. Research has already shown that our towns and cities can be great places for bees, if the right plants are grown in parks and green spaces. With a bit of bee-friendly gardening, and a bit more tolerance of weeds, we can all help to make sure our streets and neighbourhoods are buzzing with these amazing insects”.
Some simple tips for creating bee- friendly spaces:
Grow bee-friendly plants
Bees visit plants for their nectar and pollen, and may visit a plant for one or both of these. As a general guide, bees see purple and blue better than other colours. They’ll use their senses to nd
Short of space?
Even if you don’t have a garden or much space, a few plants in a window box
or pots will all help bees. Try lavender, heathers, nasturtiums, sun owers and bulbs like crocuses. Herbs are also great for containers.
Enjoy fresh herbs
Herbs provide a valuable source of food for bees – and great avours for your cooking. Chives, sage, marjoram, mint and thyme are great if you have limited space. Discover ve easy herbs which bees will love: https://www.foe.co.uk/ living/articles/easy_summer_herbs_40194
Learn to love a few weeds
If you have a lawn, leave some dandelions and clover to ower for the bees. A ‘messy corner’ with a pile of old wood and leaves will help bees and bring other wildlife too.
Avoid using pesticides
Help wildlife thrive by putting away the chemical pesticides, especially those containing bee-harming neonicotinoid pesticides.
Buying a gift?
Bee-friendly plants or a bee hotel make a lovely gift. How about a patio fruit tree like a crab apple or cherry (wild, sour, bird or plum cherries) for a special anniversary? Strawberries and blueberries are great for young children.
For further information visit www.foe.co.uk
Habitat loss is one
of the biggest threats
Britain’s bees face,
which is why it’s more
important than ever that
we understand more
about Britain’s 260+ bee species, and why bee scientists and wildlife gardening experts are urging people to play their part by creating bee-friendly habitats.
Friends of the Earth chief executive Craig Bennett said:
“Bees are crucial pollinators for our elds, gardens and countryside. We can all help these under-threat pollinators with a few simple tips for creating bee-friendly gardens, schools and other open spaces. By taking part in this year’s Great British Bee Count with our fun, free app, you can nd out more about these fascinating and valuable insects”.
Kate Bradbury, wildlife gardening expert and author of The Wildlife Gardener said:
“Getting to know bees is one of the most rewarding experiences. From the big buzzy bumbles to red mason and leafcutter bees, to tiny things that you’d never see if you didn’t stop to look, there’s a whole world out there waiting
to be discovered. And by taking a few simple measures, you can help these vital pollinators too”.
Bee expert, Professor Dave Goulson from the University of Sussex said:
“Our wonderful wild British bees are under threat. But the good news is that everyone can help. Plant some bee- friendly owers or herbs in your garden, in a pot on your balcony or in a window
Habitat loss is one of the biggest threats Britain’s bees face
other colours such as white apple blossom. Different bee species prefer different ower shapes, so aim for a range from tubular- shaped owers like
snapdragons and wall owers, to open- headed owers like yarrow and verbena. It’s not just owers like these that bees love – try shrubs, herbs, trees (hazel, pussy willow) and fruit and veg (beans, peas, peppers, onions) too. Spring and autumn owering bulbs are also great.
Plant through the seasons
Bees need food through every season, not just the summer. Get started with Friends of the Earth’s free seasonal guide to 28 great plants for bees.