Bee Numbers Declining

Whenever you think about the English countryside in the summer, thoughts of picture postcard cottages, garden fetes and the humble bumble bee all sprint to mind. However, all is not well, as the bee population has been vastly dwindling over the last few years. In 2003, the UK was loosing 6% of its bee population every year, whereas they are now loosing up to 30% of the population per year. Furthermore, the once common large garden bumblebee has been recorded in less than 10 UK sites since the 1980s.

However, help is at hand from the ever hard working pupils of Bishop Heber High School. As part of their `Green Day’ celebrations, they have been helping the bee population survive. By planting lots of new orchard grasses and flowers, this will give the bees a dedicated area to create their own habitat. One girl who was taking part in the activities described it as “Brilliant” and also said “This has been my favourite activity by far today!” The science week website says “Honey bees are very important for everyone. They pollinate more than 100 crops – including fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds – and these foods then go on to feed us and many other animals, including farm animals.” Overall, everyone had a good day filled with lots of fun, and once the new garden is growing, the students can relax in the satisfaction that they had a part to play in helping save the worlds bee population.