Save our Superheroes – Make a Difference this World Bee Day

World Bee Day is a day to celebrate the invaluable contribution bees make to our environment and our lives. This day, which falls on May 20th each year, was established by the United Nations in 2017. It was created in recognition of the critical role bees play in sustaining our planet’s ecosystems and food systems.

As a beekeeper, I am passionate about raising awareness of the importance of bees and their impact on our daily lives. And by bees I don’t mean just honeybees! There are nearly 100 different species of bumblebees and solitary bees in Ireland, and only one species of honeybee!

Perfect pollinators

Bees are crucial pollinators. They are responsible for pollinating around 80% of flowering plants. Including crops that make up a significant portion of our diet. Without bees, the world’s food supply would be greatly reduced, and the ecosystems we depend on would be in danger. However, bees are facing a multitude of threats, including habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use, and disease.

World Bee Day is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the importance of our bees. It is also a great time to give individuals and communities tools to take action to protect these important pollinators and ensure that they continue to thrive.

Help our heroes

So, how can we celebrate World Bee Day and help protect these essential pollinators? Here are six simple tips:

1. Plant bee-friendly flowers and herbs

One of the best ways to support bees is by planting flowers that provide nectar and pollen for bees to feed on. Consider sowing wildflowers or planting bee-friendly plants like lavender, borage, and sunflowers in your garden or on your balcony. Herbs like mint, basil, rosemary, oregano and marjoram are also great for bees and can provide them with an excellent source of food.

2. Buy honey from a local beekeeper

Supporting local beekeepers by purchasing honey from them helps to sustain the beekeeping tradition and protect our Native Irish Honeybees.

3. Help educate others & spread the word

Raise awareness about the importance of bees and the threats they face by sharing information with your friends, family, and community. You can do this by organizing a talk or workshop on beekeeping or simply by sharing information on social media.

4. Avoid using pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides

These ‘cides are a significant threat to bees and the plants they feed on. Therefore, it’s important to avoid using them in your garden or on your lawn. Instead, opt for natural pest and weed control methods.

5. Rewilding & No Mow May

Rewilding a part of your garden or taking part in No Mow May is a great way to help protect bees and other pollinators. During May, you can leave your lawn uncut to allow the wildflowers and clover to bloom. This will provide a vital food source for bees and other pollinators. This is especially important because many traditional lawns are devoid of flowers, which bees rely on for nectar and pollen. Read more about no mow May here, and get more tips on how to support our pollinators and their habitats.

6. Protect our Hedgerows

Support the movement to protect our hedgerows. Our beautiful countryside hedgerows are crucial habitats for many bee species and other animals. They providing food and shelter throughout the year. By protecting hedgerows from damage or removal, we can ensure that these vital habitats remain intact and provide a safe and healthy environment for bees to thrive. For more information, visit: Hedgerows Ireland | Protecting Ireland’s Hedgerows

To conclude

World Bee Day is an important opportunity to celebrate incredible creatures and take action to protect them. By taking small steps like planting bee-friendly flowers, buying honey from local beekeepers, and reducing our use of pesticides, we can all do our part to ensure a healthy future for bees and for our planet.

Useful links:

Native Irish Honeybee Society

All Ireland Pollinator Plan

Hanna Bäckmo

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn