Long Whatton News APRIL 2012 - Leicestershire Villages

Let’s Create a Buzz in Long Whatton
With a stretch in the evening, crocuses and snowdrops popping their heads
above the parapet and birds staking out their territory - all the signs are
there that Spring is well underway. But spare a thought for one of nature's
little wonders - the humble honey bee - which faces an uncertain future as it
ventures out into the open. Ravaged by a mite called varroa and weakened
by a toxic environment of agro-chemicals, bee numbers have fallen off a
cliff in recent years. Britain is far from immune to this pretty much worldwide
phenomenon and the message is clear: bees need help. And when you
consider one in three mouthfuls that we eat are as a result of bee pollination,
suddenly it's not just about them; it's about us too.
Although there has been a whole-hearted response from people up and
down the land - with the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) inundated
with new recruits - each and every community has a role to play in helping
beleaguered bees. Common sense tips like buying organic food, avoid
spraying insecticides when soapy water will do and generally spreading the
word are important. But if you really want to go a stage further, now is the
time to consider purchasing some nectar-rich plants to add to your garden.
Here's a few that will have bees doing a merry dance:
Crocuses, snowdrops, mahonia, lavender, rosemary, sage, catmint, primroses,
solomon's seal, thyme, hebe, Viper's bugloss, campanula, ornamental
thistle, sea holly, viburnum, phacelia, verbena, old fashioned geraniums,
salvia, penstemon, lupins, hollyhocks, comfrey, echinacea, sedum, ivy,
woodbine, weigelia, philadelphus, cotoneaster, fruit trees, gorse,
broom, heather and scabious. These are some off the top of my head and
garden centres will no doubt advise on many more.
Another good tip, is to relax your mowing regime and let white clover appear
on the lawn. Bees love white clover and honey bees love red clover
even more.
Give bees a fighting chance - get out the trowel and spade. Happy planting!
pw.
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