REVEALED: BEE POPULATION STABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER 30 YEARS

• The global population of bees has been declining since 1980, but is now finally stabilising with two trillion bees around the world
• Bees add as much as £600 million per year to the value of crops in the UK
• China produces the most honey in the world at 497,286 metric tonnes per year
• There are 12.25 million beehives in India, the largest number in the world
• The team from Nelson Honey have created an infographic highlighting more key stats around the bee population, as well as key tips on how everyone can help sustain their future

For the first time in over 30 years, the global population of bees is no longer declining. With two trillion bees (made up of 250 different species) pollinating flowers around the world, the global population has finally reached a point of stability.

The busy bee(keeper)s at www.nelsonhoney.co.uk are no strangers to nurturing a healthy population of bees and have outlined seven of the best ways everyone can help keep the bee population stable.

Go chemical-free in your garden

Pesticides present great danger to bees when foraging, with effects as drastic as death upon contact. By going chemical-free, homeowners can keep bees safe from other harmful effects of pesticides such as agitation, vomiting, wing paralysis and uncoordinated movement.

Create a bee hotel

Even if it’s just using a few spare sticks in the garden (though using better quality materials does go a long way), creating a bee hotel can offer bees both shelter from the elements and a safe space to breed. Ensure the hotel is placed in a secure location and make sure to check for mould on a semi-regular basis.

Let the grass grow

If a bee hotel isn’t an option, letting grass grow a smidge longer than usual is another solution to give bees more shelter. Some species of grass can even produce its own flowers and seeds if not disturbed (through means such as regular mowing, general wear and tear and periodic drought).

Eat sustainable honey

Like with all businesses, supporting companies using sustainable methods is a great step and, in this instance, can help the bee population remain stable. Nelson Honey creates its products from bees placed in pristine manuka plants in New Zealand and far from any insecticide or other agricultural sprays.

Use peat-free compost

A healthier garden means bees will have a better environment to live in and using peat-free compost has numerous benefits for your garden. Primarily, it holds moisture well and releases nutrients over a longer period of time, meaning the garden stays healthy with less upkeep and disturbance.

Plant flowers

Though obvious, planting more flowers in the garden is another great way to support bees. There are a wide variety of flowers that attract bees, offering homeowners the flexibility to plant based on the size and colour scheme of their garden. Some of the most popular flowers for bees include lavender, blue borage, marjoram and foxgloves.

Hydrate bees

Everyone likes to treat themselves to a refreshing drink after a long day’s work, even our fuzzing and buzzing friends! Anyone who spot’s a bee that appears to be tired shouldn’t hesitate to offer a teaspoon of sugary water to help get it back up and on its way.

Shane Wallace, director of nelsonhoney.co.uk, commented:

“It’s truly great to see the global population of bees reach a point of stability for the first time in decades. Bees give so much to humans through not only helping the agricultural business and making honey, but also the survival of the planet we live on.

“There’s no better time than the present to band together and each do our little part to help give back to the bees. Hopefully, with enough time, care and dedication, the population of bees can begin to grow again in the future!”

Find out more at nelsonhoney.co.uk