Research at Sussex University, by bee expert Professor Dave Goulson, examined 29 plants on sale at garden centres and DIY stores and found that over 70 per cent contained traces…
bees
Bees are flying insects, they are best known for pollination, in the production of honey and beeswax. They are found in every habitat that contain insect-pollinated flowering plants.
Honey bees in trouble as colonies die out
According to new figures released by the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) colony losses in the UK stood at 14.5 per cent last winter. That’s a big rise on the 9.6…
Allotments are the best habitat for bees
Allotments offer the best habitats for bees, according to the results of the first Great British Bee Count. But parks and roadside verges need improving to make them more bee-friendly,…
National pollinator strategy is launched
The plan, unveiled by environment secretary Liz Truss, calls on gardeners to let lawns grow longer, and urges councils to plant wildflowers on roadside verges. It’s aimed at reversing a…
Encourage bees in your garden – Alan Titchmarsh [video]
This great video featuring Alan Titchmarsh shows you how to encourage bees into your garden. Bees are vital, they bring beds and borders to life. Look after the bees in…
Are natural toxins harming bees?
Pollinators can unwittingly weaken or kill their broods by gathering low levels of toxins from pollen in plants such as lupins, according to research at the University of Greenwich. Professor…
Study claims pesticides could harm bees
Neonicotinoids, often known as neonics, are chemical ingredients used in some garden and agricultural insecticides. They are systemic, meaning that they’re absorbed into cells throughout a plant – making all…
Suttons launches Wildlife Sanctuary seed range
Suttons is set to launch a new seed range, designed to help Britain’s declining band of pollinators to survive. New for 2014, Suttons’ Wildlife Sanctuary range will encompass flowers, vegetables and…
New pollination fears as a third of honey bee colonies die out
A third of Britain’s honey bee colonies died out last winter – prompting fresh fears of a pollination crisis for our flowers and vegetables. Bee losses over the winter of…
Build a house for Mason bees
Michelle shows you how to make a bee hotel for Mason bees Carefully saw a 36 x 4 x 1/2in (105 x 10 x 1.5cm) plank of untreated wood…