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No Mow May & World Bee Day 20th?May 2024 ? We’ve lost approximately 97% of flower-rich meadows since the 1930’s and with them gone we’ve lost vital food needed by pollinators, like bees and butterflies. But your lawn can help! A healthy lawn with some long grass and wildflowers benefits wildlife, tackles pollution and can even lock away carbon below ground. With over 20 million gardens in the UK, even the smallest grassy patches add up to a significant proportion of our land which, if managed properly, can deliver enormous gains for nature, communities and the climate. ? This is why Plantlife calls for people to get involved with #NoMowMay every year, and let wild plants get a head start on the summer.?Best of all, to reap these benefits, all you have to do is not mow your lawn in May. ? Unsurprisingly The British Beekeepers' Association supports No Mow May, with World Bee Day taking place on 20th?of May 2024.?There is no way to overstate the importance of bees. ? Could you imagine walking into your supermarket and not seeing the shelves lined with food? There would be few fresh fruits or vegetables. There would be no products containing honey, almonds, coffee, and chocolate! Even milk and beef would be in short supply. That’s right — pollinators like bees are responsible for plants that feed cattle — like alfalfa.? Pollinators are responsible for an extensive amount of the foods that we consume. Pollinators (including moths, flies, beetles, birds, bats and more) are also?part of maintaining the lungs of our planet. Pollinators help the growth of many trees as well as other plants! They are truly a keystone species – a vital part of many ecosystems. ? So,?how can we become more bee friendly? Here are a few easy ways you can help?#BeeTheSolution; ? Plant a Bee Garden – grow bee-friendly plants, gardens can be established in window boxes, flower pots, and mixed into vegetable gardens. Seek out locally native plants as often as possible, as many bee species have coevolved to feed exclusively on native flowers and need them to survive. Create a Bee Bath – Bees work up quite a thirst foraging and collecting nectar. Fill a shallow bird bath or bowl with clean water, and arrange pebbles and stones inside so that they break the water’s surface. Bees will land on the stones and pebbles to take a long, refreshing drink. Protect Ground Nesting Bees – 70% of the world’s 20,000 bees — including bumblebees — live underground. There, they build nests and house their young, who overwinter and emerge each spring. Support Local Beekeepers – The easiest way to show your appreciation is to buy locally-made honey and beeswax products. Many beekeepers use products from their hives to create soaps, lotions, and beeswax candles. Plus, local honey is not only delicious — it is made from local flora and may help with seasonal allergies! Teach Tomorrow’s Bee Stewards – Inspire the next generation - get them buzzed about bees!

?? Pollinator of the week: Box-headed Blood Bee ?? Plant of the week: Devil's-bit Scabious ? Action of the week: Now is the best time to mow a long-flowering meadow Meadows are crucial habitats for pollinators, filled with a rich blend of native wildflowers and beneficial grasses. If you manage a long-flowering meadow (a grassy area that is cut once a year), now is the time to mow. By now, the wildflower seeds in your meadow will have dropped and returned to the soil. It is vital that the grass is removed. Flower-rich meadows will only develop on sites with low soil fertility. Removing grass cuttings each autumn allows the soil fertility to slowly decrease. This gives flowers a chance to compete with the more dominant grasses. The less fertile the soil, the more flower-rich your meadow will be. Cutting later than September is fine, but the weather may make things more difficult (it is easier to cut when the ground isn’t too wet). Better weather also gives the cut grass a chance to dry – it’s much easier to lift dry grass.? Small areas where grass growth is not very thick can be cut with a scythe or strimmer. In gardens, most lawn mowers can cope with small areas of longer grass. Initially set the blades at their highest setting and then do a second cut at a lower height. Larger areas may require specialised equipment, or an arrangement with a local farmer to cut and bale the grass. A mix of grass lengths is the ideal way to support biodiversity. Consider leaving some areas totally uncut for overwintering insects and mammals to nest. Learn more about managing meadows in local communities & gardens here ? https://lnkd.in/exbqvy3m Find out more about pollinators in September here ? https://lnkd.in/e92B48-T

?? Pollinator of the week: Box-headed Blood Bee ?? Plant of the week: Devil's-bit Scabious ? Action of the week: Now is the time to mow your long-flowering meadow Meadows are crucial habitats for pollinators, filled with a rich blend of native wildflowers and beneficial grasses. If you manage a long-flowering meadow (a grassy area that is cut once a year), now is the time to mow. By now, the wildflower seeds in your meadow will have dropped and returned to the soil. It is vital that the grass is removed. Flower-rich meadows will only develop on sites with low soil fertility. Removing grass cuttings each autumn allows the soil fertility to slowly decrease. This gives flowers a chance to compete with the more dominant grasses. The less fertile the soil, the more flower-rich your meadow will be. Cutting later than September is fine, but the weather may make things more difficult (it is easier to cut when the ground isn’t too wet). Better weather also gives the cut grass a chance to dry – it’s much easier to lift dry grass.? Small areas where grass growth is not very thick can be cut with a scythe or strimmer. In gardens, most lawn mowers can cope with small areas of longer grass. Initially set the blades at their highest setting and then do a second cut at a lower height. Larger areas may require specialised equipment, or an arrangement with a local farmer to cut and bale the grass. A mix of grass lengths is the ideal way to support biodiversity. Consider leaving some areas totally uncut for overwintering insects and mammals to nest. Find out more about managing meadows in local communities & gardens here?? https://lnkd.in/exbqvy3m Find out more about pollinators in September here?? https://lnkd.in/e92B48-T

?? Today is #WorldBeeDay and this is why you should care. #Bees are part of the #biodiversity on which human life depends. As pollinators, they directly contribute to #foodsecurity. Unfortunately, the global bee population is in serious decline and the ask on this United Nations observance day is to stop taking them for granted. I’ve been fascinated by these busy little creatures since childhood. My mum was a beekeeper. I remember watching from the safety of our garden shed as she opened the hives in her ‘space suit’, my face pushed up to the glass, hoping to glimpse the Queen Bee! We had quite the production facility in our family kitchen, spinning the combs four at a time in an old hand-operated machine, and selling jars of #Nottinghamshire honey from our front door. It seems there are many reasons for the decline in bees: the use of pesticides; climate change; a loss of habitat such as wildflowers and hedgerows. In the UK, we have apparently lost 13 bee species and 35 more are under threat of extinction. It’s a similar story the world over. The good news is there are simple ways we can help #SavetheBees, both in our gardens and at our workplaces:? ?? Grow a variety of native, pollen-rich flowers. Even a single hanging basket helps. Avoid plants with double or multi-petalled flowers which bees find difficult to access and can lack nectar ?? Let your lawn grow or just leave a patch unmown. Bees love lawn weeds such as dandelions and clover ?? Provide water. Pollination is thirsty work so a shallow birdbath is ideal. Give sugar water to exhausted bees to help them recover ?? Give them a nesting site. Build or buy a bee box and leave dead wood for solitary wild bees to live in ?? Stop using insecticide. Products containing neonicotinoids kill bees, so always read the label. Try natural methods, like companion plants ?? Buy local honey and support your local beekeepers! ? There’s lots of information and advice out there: Learn more about bee-friendly plants and gardening from The Woodland Trust, Bumblebee Conservation Trust and British Beekeepers Association - BBKA, e.g. Top 10 plants to attract bees (includes Echinacea pictured here): https://lnkd.in/eriUac_N Donate and order a #BeeSaverKit from Friends of the Earth: https://lnkd.in/epRq9e7f

It is wise and needed to support wild bees and other wild pollinators, and in fact, it can be easily done even in your garden (or on a PV farm ??): ?? Plant native species – flowers, trees, or shrubs, always choose native species. They are also naturally adapted to the local environmental and climatic conditions, making them more resilient. What is important, native plants have developed characteristics that align with the needs and behaviors of wild bee species, which make them often more useful for pollinators. ?? Plant species that ensure flowering throughout the entire season. This provides a continuous source of nectar and pollen for wild bees. ?? Plant species known to be a great food source. For example, Common comonica is known to be visited by 67 species of solitary bees, including two species of swarmers, readily flown by bumblebees. ?? Do not focus on nectariferous plants only! Include the pollen-producing species as well. This is especially important for the most endangered wild bees. The lifespan of a bee is only one year, and bee larvae feed on pollen. For this reason, pollen-producing plants are essential for population development. ?? Keep in mind that some insect species depend on specific plant species. Some species specialize in collecting pollen from a single species or genus of plants and depend on its flowering time, such as the mason bee (Hoplitis anthocopoides) that uses viper's bugloss flowers. ?? Include plants that could provide shelter or nesting material for bees, e.g., bitterroot lesser or parsnip, which have hollow stems or stalks with a soft core. ?? Avoid and eliminate invasive plant species as they are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. ?? Leave unmowed areas/hedgerows. ?? Leave dead wood in peace so it can be used by wild pollinators and other insects. Additionally, decaying wood can act as a backup source of water during drought. ?? Introduce stumps with drilled holes of different diameters so they can be used as nesting and shelter sites. ??? Create bee banks. Those are sandy structures used by bees (and other insects) digging nests in the ground. They are created from mounds of loose sand and similar materials in which it is possible to burrow. ?? Introduce artificial nesting structures. You can introduce insect hotels; however, pay attention to do it wisely and carefully so that it does not pose a threat to bees (for example: secure the insect house with a net so that it does not become a bird canteen, make sure the empty stems are not torn). ?? Fill your insect houses with clay. This way, it may be inhabited by rare bee species, which also nest in structures that include clay walls, such as partially protected hairy lichen. ?? Optimize the maintenance - mowing should be carried out as infrequently as possible and as late in the season as possible. Mow different sectors at different times. ?? Minimize the use of pesticides and artificial fertilizers. ?????? #Biodiversity #Wildbees

#Sustainability #education requires creating mindful public awareness. Amplifying the #interconnected narrative and #dynamic linkages between #economic growth, #communities and #planetary resources is crucial in the realm of #sustainabledevelopment. #Urbanisation globally for example represents a major proposed cause of pollinator decline particularly through: ?? #alteration of #ecological features important to pollinators, such as food and nesting sites. ?? #habitat loss and fragmentation. ?? #pesticides, #pathogens and their interactions. Why is the decreasing pollinator population a cause for concern: ??Ecologists have highlighted the pivotal role that nectar rich diverse floral species has in supporting #pollinators and promoting #biodiversity. ??Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and other small mammals that pollinate #plants are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of #food. ??Pollinators are essential sustainance of our #ecosystems producing our natural resources. ??Three-fourths of the world's flowering plants and about 35 percent of the world's food crops depend on pollinators to #reproduce. During a recent to the UK, I was fascinated by the country’s national strategy to address the issue of declining pollinators. Frequent and consistent signs reading - ‘Relaxed Mowing Area’, ‘Pollinator Friendly Trails and Corridors’ piqued my interest. It made me want to lean in and learn more about these #urban #mosaics of #floral habitats. Further information reveals how gardeners in #collaboration with various councils, researchers and private sector in the country are creating gardens and relaxing mowing, across the country to let #wildflowers bloom, providing a feast of #nectar for hungry #bees, #butterflies, and #wildlife. By establishing pollinator friendly pathways, UK is establishing corridor of native plants that: ??provides nutrition and habitat for pollinators. ??helps them to disperse into new habitat. ??effectively links up different areas of habitat. ??allows insects to travel between them to access the food and shelter that they need. Increase in global urbanisation, provides an opportunity for public-private sector agencies in every country to #improve, #conserve and #restore their value for pollinators. Every flower counts! #pollinatorstrategy #pollinators #urbangardens #habitatpathways #bees #butterflies #pollinatorpartnerships #pollination #flowers #biodiversity #ecologicalbalance #environment

Bees are the gardeners of the earth, planting life wherever they go. ???? Saving the bees is essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting healthy ecosystems, as bees are key pollinators for many plants that provide food for humans and wildlife. Here are some ways you can help save the bees: 1. Plant bee-friendly flowers and plants. Choose a variety of native plants that bloom at different times of the year to provide bees with a consistent source of nectar and pollen. Flowers like lavender, sunflowers, wildflowers, and herbs such as thyme and rosemary are excellent options. 2. Avoid using pesticides. Many pesticides are harmful to bees. Opt for organic or natural pest control methods and encourage others to do the same. 3. Provide a water source. Bees need water for drinking and cooling their hives. You can help by placing a shallow dish of water with pebbles or stones in your garden, allowing bees to land and drink safely. 4. Create bee habitats. Leave areas of your garden undisturbed with wild grasses, or create a bee hotel by drilling small holes into untreated wood, providing shelter for solitary bees. 5. Support local beekeepers. Buy honey and beeswax products from local beekeepers who practice sustainable beekeeping. This supports their efforts and helps maintain healthy bee populations. 6. Educate others. Spread awareness about the importance of bees and what can be done to protect them. Education can lead to broader community efforts to create bee-friendly environments. 7. Reduce lawn mowing. Allow part of your lawn to grow wild, especially with clover and dandelions, which are great food sources for bees. 8. Support bee conservation organizations. Donate to or volunteer with organizations that focus on bee conservation and research. By taking these actions, you contribute to creating a safer and more sustainable environment for bees to thrive.

Pollinator Week 2024 is here! Pollinator Week is an annual event celebrated globally to highlight the importance of bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and other pollinators. These incredible creatures are essential for the reproduction of over 75% of flowering plants and nearly 75% of crops worldwide. Without them, our food supply and ecosystems would be in jeopardy. Here's how you can get involved and make a difference: ? Plant a Pollinator-Friendly Garden: Create a haven for pollinators by planting native flowers, herbs, and shrubs. Choose a variety of plants that bloom at different times of the year to provide a continuous food source. ? Avoid Pesticides: Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides in your garden. Opt for natural alternatives and integrated pest management techniques. ? Provide Water Sources: Pollinators need water just like we do. Place shallow dishes of water with stones for them to rest on in your garden. ? Spread the Word: Educate your friends and family about the importance of pollinators. Share information on social media using the hashtag #PollinatorWeek2024 . ? Support Local Beekeepers and Farmers: Purchase honey and produce from local sources to support those who are working to sustain healthy pollinator populations. ? Participate in Local Events: Join workshops, garden tours, and community events dedicated to Pollinator Week. Check out Pollinator Partnership for events near you. Together, we can make a significant impact on the health and sustainability of our pollinator populations. Let's come together this Pollinator Week to celebrate, learn, and take action! For more information and resources, visit https://lnkd.in/eJuzABfv. Happy Pollinator Week! #PollinatorWeek2024

As a pollinator ecologist I am often asked "Are the bees dying?". Although the answer is YES, I often have to begin by explaining that the popular misconception of what a 'bee' is focuses solely on the non-native Western honey bee (Apis mellifera). The word 'bee' to most ignores the other 20,000+ species of bees around the world, including 800-1000 native species in Canada. This misconception is due in no small part because of "Save the Bees" campaigns. Yet the actual native bees and pollinators in need of saving are entirely ignored in the marketing of these campaigns. Although annual mortality can be high, honey bee populations are stronger now than they have ever been, and globally their managed populations continue to increase (~91M managed colonies in 2017). While working for UBC Botanical Garden, I had the pleasure of writing an article on how we can save the 'right' bees! We need to shift the focus away from managing this one massively introduced non-native species, and towards how we can promote healthy habitat that can safeguard?our native bees and other pollinators. Spread the word and checkout my article for pollinator-friendly gardening tips so you can start saving the 'right' bees in your backyard!

Species appreciation post! Show some love for the yellow-banded bumble bee ??? ? Bees might be small, but their impact is huge - and the yellow-banded bumble bee is no exception. Once known as one of the most common species of bumble bee across Canada, this pollinator is now facing steep declines.? Status: special concern in Canada Habitat: boreal forests, mixed woodlands, prairies, meadows, farmlands and urban landscapes. Range: from Georgia to the Maritimes, westward to B.C. and the Yukon and Northwest Territories, it can be found in every province and territory except for Nunavut. Occurring only in North America, approximately 50-60% of its known range is within Canada. Threats: somewhat unknown, but likely culprits are a combination of climate change, habitat loss, pesticides, and pathogens. ? In the late 20th century, the yellow-banded bumble bee began dwindling in population throughout southern parts of its Canadian range, particularly in Ontario. Declines have been so severe that the yellow-banded is now believed to be entirely absent from many historical observation sites in these areas.? ? Like many other bumble bees, the yellow-banded are generalist pollinators who forage from a wide variety of wild and agricultural plants. Also like other bumble bees, queens of this species use cavities in the ground to hibernate and to create nests.? ? Today, WPC is the only organization in Canada rebuilding at risk, wild bee populations through conservation breeding at our one of a kind Bumble Bee Conservation Lab.? ? Here’s to appreciating the hardworking, humble species that keeps the world buzzing??? ? ?? T. Harrison (photos 1-3), V. MacPhail? ? More about WPC's bumble bee program:? Since the 1990s, bumble bee numbers have been plummeting, and that spells ecological disaster. Ninety per cent of all flowering plants — including most of the fruits and vegetables in your fridge — need these pollinators in order to reproduce. Until the causes of these declines can be reversed, conservation breeding and reintroduction is the only way to safeguard at-risk bumble bees. Today, WPC is the only organization in Canada rebuilding wild bee populations through conservation breeding. Thanks to recent breakthroughs, we’ve figured out how to dramatically increase the number of queens we produce. Once they’re released into the wild, they can establish their own colonies, producing hundreds of pollinators to sustain the ecosystems around them.?