putting the bee back in broadland
why do we need bees?
Bees are struggling to survive in the modern world with habitat loss, pesticides and intensive agriculture. They are a very important part of the eco-system, pollinating crops and providing us with food. The value of the bees' services has been estimated at £200m a year.The retail value of what they pollinate was valued closer to £1bn.
what is the difference between a bumble bee and a honey bee?
Bumble bees and honey bees are very different. They are closely related but don't look the same. Honey bees look smaller and slightly wasp-like in appearance. They are also drabber coloured and less hairy than the bumble bees.
Bumble bees need somewhere to build a nest and a good supply of pollen and nectar.
 Bumble bee |
 Honey bee |
what is broadland doing?
Broadland is supporting the bumble bee conservation trust and is actively working with the Norfolk Beekeepers Association and Norfolk County Council to make Broadland bee friendly.
We developed an action plan in the spring of 2010 and have been working hard since to implement this.
We have been busy through the summer raising awareness of the problems bees are facing. We ran a photography competition which attracted lots of great photos as well as a drawing competition which many children got involved in.
We have been into schools and worked with some very enthusiastic, intelligent students who have been keen to learn what they could do to help bees. We have also been at summer shows including the Royal Norfolk Show discussing the problem of bee population decline and explaining to people what they can do.
We have also been running a crocus bulb giveaway to help improve the environment for bees as they are waking from hibernation in the early spring. So far we have given away over 20,000 crocus bulbs to the public to help make public areas of Broadland bee friendly. We are looking for other projects to support in the District so please get in touch if you have an idea.
where can I find out more?
To find out more about what we are doing to put the bee back in Broadland call our Climate Change Team on 01603 430627. Also download our bee friendly plants list below and use this as a basis for what plants to put into your garden next spring.
documents
bee friendly plant list [PDF, 224 Kb]
related pages
external links
contact us
| Environmental Services |
|---|
| Broadland District Council Thorpe Lodge 1 Yarmouth Road Thorpe St Andrew Norwich NR7 0DU |
| tel: 01603 430627 |
| fax: 01603 430616 |
| email: energy@broadland.gov.uk |