This World Bee Day, we are proud to announce that The Future Forest Company is supporting the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. The Bumblebee Conservation Trust was established to create a world where bumblebees are thriving and valued, by increasing their number and distribution. Here at The Future Forest Company, we are delighted to be joining forces with them on this vital mission.
Our much-loved bumblebees at risk
Our bee populations have crashed over the last hundred years, and two species have become nationally extinct. Bumblebees are among Britain’s most loved and familiar garden insects; but life is becoming near impossible for these hardworking creatures due to gardening practices, intensive agriculture and climate change. It is getting harder and harder for bumblebees to find homes and food.
Species in decline
Two of our bee species, the Short-haired bumblebee and Cullum’s bumblebee have been declared officially extinct in the last 80 years, while other species have declined dramatically. Factors including pesticide exposure, climate change, and exposure to parasites and diseases have all taken their toll on bee populations. The catastrophic loss of 97% of our wildflower meadows means that there are now far fewer flowers to provide bees with the essential pollen and nectar that they need to survive.
We love bees, but do we need them?
Yes! The role that bees play in our ecosystem is hugely important. They pollinate crops that provide us with food to eat, such as beans, peas, raspberries and tomatoes, all of which would be harder to produce and much more expensive without the bees’ help. Many wildflowers, and all the animals and ecosystems which depend on them, could not function without bees.
How we are helping bees
Here at The Future Forest Company, we take the plight of the bee very seriously. Here are just some of the ways in which we are helping our bee populations:
The enhancement and creation of wildflower meadows on our land via our newly launched nature sponsorships for business will see lots more native flowers in bloom, giving precious food for bees.
What can you do to help bees?
According to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, the best thing to do if you find a stranded or sleepy bumblebee is to gently place it on a bee-friendly flower. If there are no flowers around, you can give it a little energy boost by mixing equal parts white sugar and warm water, and pouring the mixture into a small container or onto a sponge. Then place both the bee and the artificial nectar in a sheltered location and allow some time to recuperate.
You can support The Future Forest Company in our mission to create bee-friendly landscapes by sponsoring nature restoration today! You will be helping nature’s recovery, and tackling the climate crisis.
Join us in reversing the trend of wildflower meadow loss and also help the recovery of our bee and other vital pollinator populations by choosing the Wildflower Meadow Subscription.
