Chemical free tips to rebalance the eco-systems in your garden.
#7: Pollinators – It’s not just bees who spread the love
Pollinators play a vital role in plant reproduction. Without pollinating insects, many of our crops and wild plants wouldn’t survive. Although honey- and bumblebees get a great deal of kudos for pollination, there are actually around 1,500 insect species that pollinate plants in the UK.
Beetles, butterflies, moths, wasps, hornets, hoverflies and solitary bees all do an important job of pollinating. Even species with a bad reputation such as houseflies and mosquitoes get the job done.
But these insects are feeling the pressure
Bees are part of the biodiversity on which we all depend for our survival. And in general, insect pollinator species are in decline as biodiversity loss around the planet accelerates. It’s important that we all do what we can to make the world a friendlier place for pollinators so they can spread the love.
Here’s a few things (that we’ve not already mentioned in other articles) that you can do to support the existence of bees and other pollinators:
- Provide water
Bees and other pollinators sometimes need to drink; having a shallow margin of a pond or a shallow dish filled with stones or marbles filled with water will provide a safe source of water.
- Plant and cultivate trees
When a tree blooms, it provides hundreds – if not thousands – of blossoms to feed from. Tree leaves and resin also provide nesting material for bees and wasps, while natural wood cavities make excellent shelters.
- Inspire Tomorrow’s Bee Stewards
Inspire the next generation of eco citizens and bring nature and ecology into the hearts of children everywhere. The Natural History Museum is a great resource for fascinating and educational material. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/biodiversity.html
Wildlife Trusts have created a ‘Wild bee action pack’ that you can download here https://wildlifetrusts.org/wildbeeactionpack
- Support Local Beekeepers and Organizations
Local beekeepers work hard to nurture their bees and increase awareness within the local community. The easiest way to show your appreciation is to buy their beeswax products. And local honey is not only delicious – it’s made from local flora and may help with seasonal allergies.
Donate to https://www.bbka.org.uk/appeal/save-the-bees and help the British Beekeepers’ Association raise essential funds for research into the threats which honeybees face.
