The decline in the numbers of bees is worrying, not only for the environment and wild plants, but for agriculture. The buglife website has carried out a ‘bee’s eyes view’ of the various parties manifestos. They begin by saying:
Bee decline is the number one environmental concern of the UK public and we are in the midst of a slew of new and shocking evidence about the impact of intensive agriculture on pollinators. Not only do the public love bees and understand the ethical responsibility we have not to drive species to extinction, the economic argument for protecting our pollinators and other wildlife is compelling, and the health and welfare benefits to people of doing so are clear. So in the run up to the General Election on 7th of May what commitments are being made by the political parties to save our beleaguered pollinators and wildlife more generally?
It’s a very calm, detailed assessment of the various parties manifestos , and if the subject interests you, it’s best to read the whole article.
The Conservatives 3 gold stars for 3 good policies “Promise that they will use agri-environment money to ?help our bees to thrive.? “
We can of course all help bees, butterflies, pollinators of all description and other wildlife by growing the right things in our gardens. Nectar rich plants encourage insects, nesting boxes encourage birds, which in turn eat pests like aphids, slugs and snails, and if you absolutely have to use greenfly spray or slug pellets make sure they are the variety that are non poisonous to birds, foxes and other critters. A good alternative to slug pellets round vulnerable plants is crushed egg shell or sharp gravel, or copper bands round pots of plants. (Here endeth the gardening tips!)