The Bee Log
The changes to farming practices have had a major impact in the numbers of bumblebees, the actual number of lowland varieties have halved since 1950.
So, what can we do? Conservation watchdog Natural England have said that more homeowners should install hives and grow insect-friendly plants to help the declining population. Eco products retailer http://www.greenstamp.co.uk have three bee nesters in their range that can easily be placed in the urban garden to give a safe refuge to pollinating bees
Gardens have become important refuges for bumblebees and you can encourage them to visit your garden by following some simple tips.
Bumblebees need a succession of flowers from spring to autumn, so there is always a food supply. Perennial flowers such as herbs and native wildflowers are ideal.
Flowers are best planted in large groups - or patches - of the same kind, so the bees don’t have to waste valuable energy scouting around the area for more.
A selection of flowers of different shapes (eg bowl-shaped, bell-shaped, lipped and tubular) will appeal to different species, as they have different tongue lengths.
Within their wildlife product range, eco products retailer Green Stamp have introduced a new range of three nesters
Their Classic Wooden Bumblebee nester is a solid construction designed to keep nesting bees safe and dry. Price £24.99
A beautiful Ceramic Bee Nester is a fully functioning nest for Bumble Bees. Beautiful in its appearance, it can help provide a safe and dry nesting site for these beneficial garden pollinators. Price £19.99
The unique Pollinating Log designed to hang from a tree or bracket will provide a home for solitary bees and other over wintering insects. Price £14.99
http://www.greenstamp.co.uk
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
