The pollinating work that bees do is essential for crops, nature, wildlife and all aspects of humankind. Join Sir David Attenborough in helping the humble pollinator – you could save the bees with this easy (and ingenious!) tip.

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During dinner last night, my husband noticed a bee trapped in a spider web outside the back door. He got up and used a broom handle to gently free the bee – much to our daughter’s horror. “Why did you do that? Bees sting!”

He explained that bees are really important to the environment, and we should protect them. While bees do sting, it usually only happens when they are angered or cornered – wasps are the ones to look out for during the summer months.

She seemed to doubt his logic (not unusual!) so went off to look for more information, and we came across Sir David Attenborough’s passionate plea to help save the bees. As she’s a big Blue Planet and Planet Earth fan, she seemed to believe him quicker than her father…!

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How Can You Save the Bees?

Pollination is needed for plants to reproduce, so much of our environment is dependent on bees and other pollinators to do their work.

Many of the foods that we enjoy rely on, or benefit from, bees and pollination. So, without bees, we would really feel the impact. In fact, according to Sir David Attenborough, the human race would actually be in significant danger.

The post reads:

“In the last 5 years the bee population has dropped by 1/3. If bees were to disappear from the face of the earth, humans would have just 4 years left to live. This time of year bees can often look like they are dying or dead, however, they’re far from it. Bees can become tired and they simply don’t have enough energy to return to the hive which can often result in being swept away. If you find a tired bee in your home, a simple solution of sugar and water will help revive an exhausted bee. Simply mix two tablespoons of white, granulated sugar with one tablespoon of water, and place on a spoon for the bee to reach. You can also help by sharing this post to raise awareness.”

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This is such a simple way to help save the bees – all you need is a teaspoon, sugar and water. Get the kids involved and, in the process, have a conversation about the importance of bees, how pollination works and what you can do to help. You could plant pollinator-friendly flowers in your garden as a great first step.

BioDiversity Ireland offers some more great tips to help the pollinators:

• As well as summer blooms, plant shrubs that flower in early Spring and late Autumn
• Bees are particularly attracted to blue and yellow flowers, as they can easily see those colours
• If you have a balcony or small garden, choose to plant flowering herbs in pots
• Choose some pollinator-friendly flowers for summer, such as lavender, sweet pea, sunflowers, etc.
• An un-mown stretch of grass is great for clover
• Plant fruit trees and flowering trees
• Leave a patch of garden for wildflowers

…And if you see a bee stuck in a web, or trapped in your kitchen, help free him and send him on his way!

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Will you be following this simple tip to save the bees? Do you have any other ideas to share with our readers? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!