Can you help Dorset farmers build 'bee-roads'?
We're being asked to help Dorset's pollinators however we can.
This weekend farmers across the country are beginning to plant the ‘Bee Road’ – which means those with hayfever might need to prepare!
The Bee Road is essentially a huge countrywide network for pollinating Bees to take a rest and refuel. Imagine the motorway services but instead of expensive sandwiches it is lots of flowers that help bees get on with their important job.
Around a third of the food we eat in the UK relies on bees – but many of us know that bees are significantly in danger. This is why Arla Farmers across the country are building the road to enegerise our buzzy buddies.
So, farmers are encouraging the nations hayfever sufferers to get ready ahead of the weekend – as around 45 million of us really do suffer with runny noses, headaches and other horrid symptoms.
Last year, Sophie Gregory from Dorset joined Arla’s ‘Bee Road’ initiative. Launched to help biodiversity by increasing wild bee populations through planting pollinator patches on farms. Essentially, creating a bee road, allowing bees and other fuzzy friends, to flourish and thrive.
She said:
"There's nothing better than seeing a bee flying around. I don't know many farmers that don't prioritise nature now.
"It can only be a benefit. A third of our food is reliant on pollinators so the food that we eat is all reliant on these bees.
"I think if we can start the next generation focusing on nature then it can only be a good thing. It's getting everyone involved from the youngsters through to the ones who have done everything the same way for a long time."
Sophie wants others to get involved in building the bee road.
Here's what you can do:
• Plant more species, particularly those that attract bees and other pollinating insects. You don’t need to have a garden for this. You can recycle yoghurt pots to make your very own pollinator pots even if you only have a windowsill to offer!
• If you see a Bee struggling, try giving it a bit of sugary water and moving it out of harm's way whilst it recovers.
• Create a small area and let it ‘grow wild’ or leave a patch of fallen leaves. Insects, birds, and small mammals will benefit from the cover and native plants.
• Put up a bird feeder or nest box. This doesn’t need to be in a garden, some birds will come to a feeder on a balcony, or front porch and large windowsill
• Create a bug hotel for insects to use over winter, or put a bat box or hedgehog house out for creatures
• If you have a driveway for your car to park – consider making it a green driveway without the concrete
• Stop using pesticides or herbicides and swap them for organic products.
• Leave a pile of logs out for small creatures like stag beetles to house in.
• Get children involved in the activities! Inspiring future generations to love and respect wildlife is so important for the long-term