Keep the bees buzzing

There have been murmurs for quite some time about the dwindling numbers of the humble bumble bee from our back gardens and hedgerows. To many the situation isn’t worth panicking about, but upon further examination, the demise of the bee could have dire consequences.  

So it was great to read that the Telegraph newspaper has championed the cause to save our bees, with a campaign to 'Bring Back Bees.’  

What many people don’t realise is that apart from providing a reassuring buzz on a summer day, picking up and distributing pollen, bees are instrumental in the providing much of our food crops. So it’s alarming to learn that since 1910 Britain has seen as decline of around 75% of our bees and some species are dangerously close to extinction, partly due to loss of habitat, but also more recently due to mites introduced to the UK around 20 years ago.  

You may wonder how you can help. Well, why not adopt a bee hive? The British Beekeepers’ Association runs schemes where you can adopt a hive containing over 50,000 bees for just £29.50 and therefore help finance research into threats to bees. www.adoptabeehive.co.uk

Alternatively, if you’re lucky enough to have a garden you can help by making it attractive to bees by planting pollen rich flowers. It is important to resist paving or decking in favour of leaving a more natural habitat for wildlife, plus it also helps with drainage.

A representative of the British Beekeepers’ Association explained that, "It isn’t just beekeepers that can help. Those with gardens can make a big difference by providing desperately needed forage. If we tidy up our landscape, there's nothing there for bees.”

If you are a keen gardener and are giving it an overhaul, whether to make a friendlier habitat for bees or yourself, don’t forget that garden furniture and tools are covered under Staysure’s home insurance. Click here if you would like an instant online home insurance quote. You will be blown away by our low prices!