About Bees

Doing your bit for bees

Bees – bumble and honey bees - need a continuous source of food from early in the year through to the frosts. Pollen contains proteins and fats - large amounts are needed, especially in the spring when many bee larvae are being reared. Nectar contains sugars and is the main energy source for bees.

For bees, the important thing is whether a flower can supply pollen and nectar. They don’t look at flowers as garden plants to treasure or unwanted weeds. You can help bee life by making small changes, or you may wish to dedicate your outside space as a wildlife haven. Here are some ideas:

1. choose plants which provide pollen and nectar from February to November
2. leave an area for wild plants, like dandelions, deadnettle –perhaps by the compost bin or shed
3. leave part of your lawn uncut to provide extra pasture for bees
4. save the sunny areas for good bee plants – bees don’t like working in shady, cold or windy spots
5. if you have room, plant a drift of the same type of flower, as these are easier for bees to find
6. bees can’t reach pollen and nectar in double flowers – go for single or semi-double varieties
7. provide water for bees – a small pond, bird bath or other container
8. avoid using chemical sprays or at least use them selectively
9. encourage wildlife areas in your local community – churchyards, hedgerows, public plantings

Plants for Bees

Weblinks

Bumblebee Conservation Trust www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk
British Bee Keeping Association www.britishbee.org.uk
The Wildlife Trusts www.wildaboutgardens.org
National Biodiversity Network www.nbn.org.uk
Natural England www.naturalengland.org.uk
Plantlife www.plantlife.org.uk
UK Biodiversity Action Plan www.ukbap.org.uk