Buzzing about the Bee Cafe
As our offices are based on a farm, we really understand the importance of looking after bees.
Bees are critical to food production: they pollinate 70 of the around 100 crop species that feed 90% of the world. Honey bees are responsible for $30 billion a year in crops (source: BBC Future).
It has been in the news this week that B&Q are refusing to stock plants that have been grown using harmful pesticides. Neonicotinoids pose a high risk to bee populations, and Friends of the Earth are working hard to prevent further damage.
Yet we can’t just rely on these snippets of news and work of charities to make a difference. Especially when it is so easy – and thoroughly enjoyable – to get outside and start this new project.
Inspired by the work of the Shropshire Wildlife Trust we have created our own Bee Café on site, and Emma has created her own at home.
It is really simple to do. We just found a few old pots and filled them with plants from the Pollinator Protector Guide provided by the Wildlife Trust. You can download yours here.
In ours we have lavandula, leucanthemum, arabis, and some others.
FACT: Bees don’t see the same flower color that we do. The UV patterns on the petals of a flower can be compared to the landing deck of an aircraft carrier. Those patterns guide the bee to land at the nectar source.
Avoid plants with double layered or densely packed petals. These tend to have less nectar and pollen. Plants like foxgloves are an obvious choice due to their bell like structure. The simple structure of crocuses is another good example of a flower that provides easy access to bees.
Look out for The Royal Horticultural Society logo on plant tags to show that they are pollinator friendly.
Got your own bee cafe? Get in touch via Twitter @e4environment