The Secret Life of Bees

Sara Whatley discovers why bees are so important, how to support them, and how they make honey!

Do you like chomping on sweet and juicy strawberries, crunchy cucumber or sticky honey? Me too! Shockingly, if we didn’t have bees, none of these foods would exist, and so many more as well.

Bees and other pollinating insects are vital to our food and wildflowers. Did you know there are about 270 species of bees in the UK? And that out of all the pollinating insects, they are one of the most effective because they visit such a large variety of crops? Without them farmer’s crops would suffer, your allotment or veg patch in your garden wouldn't prosper, and the countryside would be a dull and dreary place with much fewer flowers. Not forgetting the lack of honey for our crumpets!

Bees and pollinators look after us, so we need to look after them as well. With just a few simple steps we can all make sure our gardens or local open spaces are bee and pollinator friendly – are you up for the challenge? 

Bees like to live in natural green spaces, such as meadows or woodland, which over the decades have diminished, so a great way to support bees is by making new habitats for them. You can do this by leaving some of your garden lawn unmown – allow it to grow naturally long or even better, plant some native wildflowers there. Even a few pots of nectar-rich flowers placed on your balcony or outside your front door will provide a welcome ‘café’ for bees to drop into.

Some bees are solitary and don’t live in hives. You could build a bee hotel with lots of hollow bamboo, sticks or small dry spaces they can shelter in. Planting some bee-friendly flowers nearby will help to attract them and give them a meal as well.

If you can, help support your local beekeepers by buying their honey and products. You can often find local beekeepers selling their goods at local markets, fetes and fairs, farm or independent shops, or just by getting in touch with them.        

So, let’s celebrate the humble bumble. They may be small, but they sure are mighty!