A massive number of UK households want to take action to protect the nation's endangered bee population. Research from Manuka honey producer Comvita has found 40 per cent of people surveyed stated they intended to make their outdoor space more biodiverse, in aid of the bee population.
The news was announced to coincide with World Bee Day 2022, which encourages citizens to ‘Bee engaged: Build Back Better for Bees.’ The findings also revealed that a quarter of British people are unable to recall seeing a bee since the start of the year, signposting a worrying trend for the country's ecosystems.
Some 44 per cent believe a loss of habitat is the main contributing factor to the decline of bees. However, around a quarter of younger people (16-24 year olds) believe the honey industry is to blame, despite it being a driving force for keeping the population thriving.
To combat the decline, citizens are encouraged to take individual responsibility in a range of forms:
- Making a garden/outdoor space more biodiverse to help attract bees and other wildlife
- Not using pesticides or chemical fertilisers
- Stopping to help a bee if one is struggling
- Setting up an 'insect hotel' in a garden/outdoor space
- Only buying honey from sustainable brands
Nigel Browne, general manager for Comvita, said: “It’s been widely reported that the bee population has been declining at a staggering rate for several years and it’s reassuring to see how committed Brits are to helping save the bees.
"At Comvita, our sustainability commitment is focused on ensuring the process of honey making is carbon neutral, with a commitment of planting native trees and introducing recyclable and reusable packaging. The principles of the plan can be widely implemented across global honey production, to ensure the industry is at the forefront of the bid to save the bees.”
TV gardener Katie Rushworth backed the scheme. She added: "It’s encouraging to see the general public so engaged with the issue and willing to take positive action. For anyone looking to make their outdoor spaces more bee-friendly the best thing you can do is plant; as many different species as you can, aiming to have something in flower for most of the year.
"Avoid pesticides and chemical fertilisers as these are harmful to the natural ecosystem, and try to accept the presence of weeds – they are actually a great early nectar source for all pollinators."
Harvested from the pristine forests of New Zealand, Comvita is known for offering premium, pure, well-researched, and sustainably sourced Manuka honey.
