Why do we need bees?

Our changing climate and loss of bee friendly habitats is not good news for bees or the planet. Some species are already extinct and many more are on the threatened list, but why are bees so important?

Image of a bee on a flower with visible stamens to illustrate why we need bees

Why do we need bees?

Bees pollinate flowers

Bees pollinate 75-80% of food crops worldwide. Without bees to spread pollen between flowers, plants wouldn't be able to reproduce, and there would suddenly be a lot fewer plants in the world.

Without pollination, plants can't reproduce

Fewer plants mean less food, clothing and even medicines!

Plants are useful for lots of reasons

Plants also absorb carbon dioxide from the environment and produce oxygen ( by a process called photosynthesis ). Humans and animals need oxygen to breathe, and plants are vital to reducing carbon dioxide levels in the air.

Animals eat plants

Plants are an important food source for many animals, not just humans. If plant populations decline, the ripple effect will spread up the food chain.

What can we do to save bees?

Build a bug hotel

Building a bee or bug hotel will attract bees to your garden and give them a safe place to live.

A bee hotel made from wood, tubes and other materials. — Small Bug Hotel

If you have a lot of space, this pallet bug hotel is amazing! Old pallets are perfect for building a big hotel. Carefully stack them on top of each other and fill them with natural materials that give bugs lots of little places to hide. Remember to leave enough space for bugs to move around, but not so much that bigger animals like hedgehogs can get in.

Make sure you add a roof to keep the bugs dry, and if you want to make it extra welcoming to little critters, plant some insect-friendly wild flowers close by!

Giant bug hotel made from pallets — Huge Bug Hotel

Be more natural

Reducing the number of chemicals you use in the garden is another easy way to help save the bee population. Search for natural solutions to pests rather than reaching for pesticides. The RSPB has some great natural ideas for getting rid of pests!