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The decline of pollinating insects could have a devastating effect on all of us, drastically changing our diet with 5-a-day becoming a distant memory for all but the very rich. As Sarah found out it's the small changes that can help reverse that trend and it's us who have the power to make those changes.
Whether you own a country estate, or don't even have a garden, you can all help protect the future of our bees and pollinating insects. Here are Sarah's top tips to help you make a difference:
❀ Growing pollinator-friendly plants
Whilst growing nectar-rich plants in your backgarden can't provide the complete solution, it can be an enormous help. Gardens cover over 1 million acres in Britain - far exceeding the size of all our nature reserves.
Many of the cultivated plants we grow have limited value for our pollinators but by choosing varieties which you know will attract pollinators you will make a real difference. These varieties are often fabulously easy to grow and flower for a long time.
To help you choose the best plants and seeds for pollinators we've created categories in our shop which make it as easy as possible for you. We've also marked them with the 'bee symbol' in our catalogues. And if you are shopping elsewhere keep an eyeout for the RHS perfect for pollinators logo - you can find more information about this on their website.
❀ Create shelter
Shelter is vital for pollinating insects - if your garden is wind-swept and exposed try to at least create a section which is sheltered and in full sun.
❀ Try to avoid double blooms
As a general rule double blooms like begonias, bizzy lizzies and bedding geraniums will have less room for nectar as this space has been bred to give more petals. This is obviously not beneficial to pollinators who need the carbohydrate-rich nectar.
❀ Think about colours
Blue's, pinks and purples are often favourites for nectar rich varieties. Think about these colours when planning your gardens and favour paler colours for night pollinators.
❀ Mix varieties
Pollinators need lots of different types of nectar to boost their immune systems - cottage gardens are perfect for this - so think about growing a wide range of plants and types which will also attract different types of insects.
❀ Year round planting
Pollinators don't just need food in the summer they need food and shelter all year round so think about successional planting and shrubs and plants for winter.
❀ Provide water
Water is vital for bees and butterflies and something many people forget about in their gardens. You'll need a container with very shallow edges so they can easily sit at the sides and sip.
❀ Talk to your local council
Planting schemes throughout cities, towns and villages are controlled by local councils. Write to your local council and encourage other local residents to support pollinator-friendly plants in our local planting schemes. The added benefit is many of the bee-friendly plants are easy to grow, low maintenance and long-flowering.
❀ Volunteer
Even if you don't have a garden you can still volunteer in various schemes around the country. Britain in Bloom is active in around 2,000 cities, towns and villages throughout the country and their planting schemes play a big role in creating community awareness in plants and encouraging environmental responsibility. Their campaign for 2012 is to get more communities growing wildflowers - one of the best plant types for pollinators.
There are also numerous other schemes which play a great role in transforming our urban habitats too like River of Flowers which creates corridors of wildflowers in cities to allow pollinators to travel through inner-cities. If you know of other schemes please share them on our facebook page.
❀ Create a mini wild flower meadow
Even if you just have a few pots to spare you can still grow wild flowers. They are the most vital source of food for our pollinators. Read Sarah's article to find out how.
