Pledge – Bees

MY PLEDGE FOR NATURE

BEES

Bees are vital to pollinate both flowers and food crops. Climate change and the use of pesticides are threatening their numbers.They are the most important insects on the planet securing the future of our fresh vegetables and fruit.

Pledge 1 – Pesticide free garden

Pesticides especially neonicotinoids can be fatal to bees and are banned in France. Keeping your garden pesticide free and as organic as possible will help bees, hedgehogs, and other small wild mammals (and us!) survive.

For more information:

Pledge 2 – Make a Bee Hotel

Solitary bees live and build their nests alone,in hollow stems and beetle holes. Create a hotel where they can lay their eggs and it is likely they will take up residence.

Pledge 3 – Site a Beehive

Keeping bees is a fascinating pastime and each hive helps replenish the bee pollinators. If you are interested in beekeeping courses are run at:

    • Buckfast Abbey Bee Dept – Clare Densley and Martin Haan. Tel: 01364 645514
    • Totnes and Kingsbridge Beekeepers – Lilah Killock, Secretary. Email-lilahkillock@btinternet.com

Pledge 4 – Plant bee-attracting plants

Bees forage from nectar and pollen rich flowers.Bee species’ tongues vary in size so it is good to provide different shaped flowers.Find suggestions on the following websites.