This week, Low Carbon are raising awareness of the threats facing the British bee population, and hoping to inspire us all with their own biodiversity project.*
Many of us know that Britain’s bees are in danger of disappearing altogether, due to a variety of factors such as climate change, pollution, a destruction of habitats and a shortage of beekeepers.
Low Carbon share their thoughts in this guest blog post about what we can do to help our bees and the climate in which they thrive…
Bees in danger
The deterioration of the bee population poses a serious threat to our ecosystem, and is unsurprisingly a major concern for scientists.
If honeybees were no longer in existence; it’s not only their honey that we’d lose. Without pollination by honeybee’s, we’d lose around an astonishing 70 out of 100 crop species that feed 90% of the world’s population.
Foods such as strawberries would not only be smaller in size but there would also be a decrease in production, while the supply of almonds could become non-existent.
The University of Reading has identified that the honeybee population in the UK has halved in the last 20 years — with mites, pesticides and climate change being contributing factors. So, how can we change the future of the honeybee?
Low Carbon’s conservation efforts
Renewable energy investor, Low Carbon has united with Plan Bee Ltd. to help conserve the honeybee population.
On Low Carbon’s solar parks across Cornwall, Devon and Suffolk, sit 25 beehives, proudly housing a notable 2 million bees.
These locations support greater biodiversity with blankets of wildflowers, making the perfect environment for the bees to thrive.
This biodiversity project is continuously being developed with remote monitoring systems currently being trialled to measure brood temperature, humidity, hive weight and weather conditions, to successfully help the bees to thrive within the hives.
Some of the honey produced by the bees is harvested and gifted to help raise awareness and support for this important cause.
Quentin Scott, Low Carbon’s Marketing Director, states: “We are committed to protecting local habitats and ecosystems on our solar farms. Encouraging biodiversity should not be a bolt on for renewable energy companies, but rather a core responsibility.”
“Protecting bees, insects and other species is a crucial part in the fight against climate change and we look forward to continuing our work with Plan Bee in the future.”
What can you do to help?
When choosing to do your bit towards the conservation of these fascinating insects, it’s important to understand honeybee behaviour and what they need to be able to survive.
A big problem is a lack of suitable habitats for foraging due to the loss of hedgerows, woodland and meadows abundant with sufficient plant species.
Spring is the most crucial time for honeybees needing to collect nectar and pollen.
That’s why one of the most simple and beneficial actions we can take is to plant bee-friendly flowers in our gardens, such as peonies, viburnum, alliums, skimmia, anemone and roses.
Here are some other simple actions you can take to help save the honeybee:
- Install beehives
- Plant bee-friendly fruit and veg
- Grow plants and veg from seed
- Let your grass grow for shelter
- Use peat-free compost
- Welcome other insects into your garden
- Avoid pesticides
Low Carbon sees the encouragement of biodiversity as a core focus for us all, and the preservation of bees as an important part in the fight against climate change.
About the Author
Low Carbon is a privately-owned UK investment company, investing in, owning and operating renewable energy projects. They are committed to making a positive and significant impact on the causes of climate change. Learn more about Low Carbon here.
*Disclaimer: this is a paid guest post.
