Saturday, 27 June 2015

Bee Friendly!

Illustration by Mark Burgess

Honey Bees in further decline!

This launch comes as further declines in the honey bee population have been announced. While the figures are falling it is encouraging to see that many people would like to help, but just don’t know how!!

With this in mind the Beekeepers Association has launched a campaign and hope that many of you will support it “Friends of the Honey Bee” focuses on what individuals can do to help the plight.

Illustration by Mark Burgess
This is a campaign close to my heart as my husband and I are avid beekeepers and look after 8 hives. There is no need for you to become a beekeeper (unless you want too) but there are many ways in which you can help. There is a Winnie-the- Pooh inspired pack which is available in a printed form and can be downloaded here http://www.friendsofthehoneybee.com/about/bee-friendly-with-winnie-the-pooh/. Or follow the 10 simple steps listed below.

Winnie-the-Pooh’s 10 simple steps to help save the honey bees
1. Plant your own window box

2. Create your own vegetable patch or tub

3. Plant a flowering tree in your garden

4. Make some ‘seed balls’ and throw them into the wild

5. Use arts and crafts to educate the younger generation on the importance of bees e.g. finger puppets, painting bee pictures, knitting bees etc

6. Learn to become a beekeeper yourself by attending a course through the British Beekeepers Association

7. Bake together at home using local honey

8. Build bee habitats

9. Volunteer for your local beekeeper association or visit your local apiary

10. Don’t panic, if you see a local honey bee swarm, contact your local beekeeping association

St Kilda is also doing their bit too! And already have their patio garden beds and tubs planted up

Let’s all do a little and help save the Honey Bee!!

Please send any photos of your bit!! To marketing@stkilda.co.uk and we will publish them on the blog.
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