Bee Buddy

1 The Bee Farmers Association / The National Bee Unit2 The Bee Farmers Association / The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

IntroductionThe number of British bee hives has declined by nearly 75% over the last century1 and the UK is now home to just 30% of the bee hives needed in order to future-proof our bee count.1

Pollinators, like the British honey bee, help ensure the lifecycle of more than 80% of crops and wild plants in Europe and they are responsible for pollinating a third of the fruit and veg we eat,2 meaning lots of our favourite food and drink produce - like apples and strawberries - wouldn’t exist in a world without them.

Whilst there are several factors behind the decline in bees, the two main causes are bee disease and a lack of food on which bees may forage. So, whether you are a bee-fanatic or a bee-ginner, there are lots of small changes you can make and now is the ideal time to get started.

Rowse Honey has compiled this handy Bee A Bee Buddy Guide to help you on your way.

75%

Some of a bee’s favourite nectar sources can be found in natural hedgerows and areas of wild plants or flowers. Planting patches of these will not only help bumble bees,

solitary bees and other pollinators, but will also help create the environments in which berries and

seeds are produced, on which other wildlife also depend on.

all year roundBees require nectar and pollen to survive. By planting flowering plants from early spring through to winter, you can help. Ask your garden centre which plants will flower at different times of the year or check out the RHS ‘perfect for pollinators’ list and ensure you have a variation so they’re in bloom throughout the seasons and the bees don’t go hungry.

Bee-in-bloom

But, what can you do to help?

Bee hives have declined by nearly

over the last century

80%Bees pollinate over

of crops and wild plants in Europe

It’s thirsty work

being a bee

Once you’ve tried out some of these top tips, whether it’s simply planting flowers or giving your back a rest from the weekly lawn mowing, let us know! Share pictures or any of your own additional tips with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and join our #RowseBeeBuddy movement.

For more information, visit www.rowsehoney.co.uk/bee-a-bee-buddy

Revivesleepy bees

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When we mow the lawn and manicure our garden, it becomes harder for bees to find the nectar they love most. A lawn full of clover and dandelions is a haven for bees so let your lawn grow or raise the notches on the mower to lift the cutting blade a few centimetres.

– let them bee!Weeds

#RowseBeeBuddy

@rowsehoney @rowsehoney @rowsehoneyuk

The Rowse Honey Guide to Saving Bees

Bee a

Plant a variety of flowersnext to each other

Bees don’t like having to fly very far, so plant your flowers in beds close together. Some plants are more effective than others at attracting bees to your garden; they love bright flowers, particularly blue ones like lavender, and love the pollen found in herbs such as thyme and marjoram.

Get started with some pots on your patio, herbs in a window box or even hanging baskets. The more habitats you have in your garden, the more insects and bees you can attract - bees like plants with varying heights, so planting trees, shrubs and larger plants will also help.

Wonderfully wild gardens

Don’t throw it– pile it

A simple wood pile in a corner is a cheap way to help bees and bugs nest and feed. Although the micro-habitat will decay over time, even a little heap of branches or twigs can provide shelter and be placed out of sight in the corner of your garden.

Have you ever spotted a tired or struggling bee in your garden? Well, you can actually revive them easily using a simple mix of sugar and water. Rowse Honey suggest mixing two tablespoons of white sugar with one tablespoon of water. Place the bee itself on the spoon - it should have a drink and, hopefully, become energized enough to take flight!

Make sure there is somewhere in your garden for bees to drink from. They’re too small to be able to drink from a pond or bird table so try putting a little water on a plate or in a small bowl to help the little chaps out.

There are lots of small changes that everyone can make to help save the honey bees. From insect-fearing little ones to adults trying to usher them out of the window, bees are often at risk when they make themselves known in the summer.

Read on and see if you can implement some, or all, of these steps to make your garden a bee paradise!