Wild Wednesday - celebrating World Bee Day
Today is World Bee Day - a chance to highlight the vital role bees and other pollinators play in keeping our ecosystems healthy, and the growing threats they face.
Sadly, bees are in decline. Species extinction rates are higher than normal due to factors such as habitat loss, intensive farming, climate change and pesticide use. Around 35% of invertebrate pollinators (including bees and butterflies) and 17% of vertebrate pollinators (such as bats) are at risk of extinction globally.
Arun District Council is helping to support biodiversity by increasing the number of wildflower meadows across the district - creating essential habitats for bees and other pollinators to thrive. Find out more here: Biodiversity | Arun District Council
How can we all help? Small actions can make a big difference.
- take part in No Mow May (or leave areas of your garden to grow)
- plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times of year
- avoid pesticides
- leave out a shallow water dish for pollinators
- consider sponsoring a beehive locally (search: 'sponsor a beehive in West Sussex' and pick one of many)
Get creative
Building a bug or bee hotel is a great way to support pollinators - and a fun activity for families:
Woodland Trust - How to Make a Bug Hotel - Woodland Trust
Wildlife Trusts - How to make a bee hotel | The Wildlife Trusts
Alternatively, you can buy ready-made bug hotels or install a bee brick - a simple way to create nesting spaces.
Did you know?
It takes around one million flowers and 50,000 bee flights to produce just 1kg of honey!
For more fascinating bee facts, visit: Learn these top 10 facts about bees | WWF
Let's work together to protect our pollinators and help nature flourish across Arun.