To go along with our beehouse building workshop we will be chatting to you about all things bee! They are on a decline and we rely on them to pollute all our amazing plants and help our ecosystems. Read on to find out more about these fuzzy creatures and how we can help them!
The UK's Bees
There are more than 250 different species of bee flying throughout the UK, with bumblebees and honeybees being the most common. The bumblebee has a larger round body that is fuzzy and brightly coloured. They don't make honey but are the most important pollinators. They pollinate many crops and ensure our ecosystems are healthy. The honeybee has a much slimmer body and is obviously the one that creates that delicious honey. Nectar is passed from different bees, then stored in a honeycomb to be made thicker. These are the type of bees that beekeepers domesticate to make the honey industry. If you want to get to know the different types of bees then you can check out the chart!
Pollination
Our fuzzy friends are specially adapted to pollinate plants and help them grow. Bees collect pollen and nectar by it sticking to hairs all over the bee's body, they transfer the pollen from the male reproductive organ of a flower to the female reproductive organ which then helps the flower grow seeds. Pollination is needed for plants to reproduce and thrive. Most of the fruit, veggies, and other food we grow rely on bees to pollinate them. From apples and plums to almonds and vanilla, we need bees to pollinate our delicious food. Bees not only help to pollinate the food we eat as humans but also those that other animals and livestock eat. They help to maintain diversity and feed other animals!
What can we do to help the bees?
Buy sustainable and local honey
If you purchase commercial honey you might be adding money to an industry that overworks bees. Why not try buying local instead? Local honey means the pollen used is from local plants from your area. Buying this means the bees creating your honey will be cared for better, it also tastes more delicious and can help relieve seasonal symptoms of pollen allergies. You can get local and sustainable honey from food markets as well as Holland and Barrett.
Learn how to save a poorly bee
Sometimes you might find a lonely bee on the pavement looking a little tired. Well here are some useful tips on how to save a struggling bee. Firstly find a nearby flower to put her on, of course making sure you stay protected from her stinger. You could use your phone, ID card, or sleeve to pick her up. Then wait a little bit. If putting the bee on a flower does work then give them a 2 to 1 sugar and water mixture. You can also buy a Bee Revival Keyring to make sure you always have a sugary mixture on you to help a bee in an emergency!
Create a rich bee-friendly environment
If you have a garden or even just a windowsill then you could plant some flowers to help the bees thrive. Make sure to plant nectar-rich flowers such as lavender or even herbs such as chives. Bees are most active in the spring and summer, so make sure to plant ahead of the warmer months.
Build a Beehouse with the Union
Come on down to a workshop with the Union girls and build a tiny home for the bees! All materials will be provided and you can either take these houses home to display in your own garden or help us build some for the university's green space.
So if you want to help the bees out this Freshers Week then come along to our Beehouse Building session in the Union Space! Sign up below and don't forget to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date with all our #SustainableFreshers2023
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