Pollinators, the work force of the planet
Somewhere between 75% and 95% of all flowering plants on the earth need help with pollination – they need pollinators. Pollinators provide pollination services to over 180,000 different plant species and more than 1200 crops. That means that 1 out of every 3 bites of food you eat is there because of pollinators. If we want to talk dollars and cents, pollinators add 217 billion dollars to the global economy, and honeybees alone are responsible for between 1.2 and 5.4 billion dollars in agricultural productivity in the United States. In addition to the food that we eat, pollinators support healthy ecosystems that clean the air, stabilize soils, protect and support other wildlife.
Pollinator populations are changing. Many pollinator populations are in decline. This decline is attributed most severely to a loss in feeding and nesting habitats. Pollution, chemicals, disease, and changes in climatic patterns are all contributing to their loss.
Bels Bees continues to improve and change the way we farm. We have small areas set aside for habitats, water access and breeding grounds. We have planted flowers, trees and have left areas a little wild, cut back on chemical use and use education as a tool to help others. Can we stop the decline of these necessary pollinators?, I would like to think so. One small step can soon turn into a mile.
We have bug hotels for you to see, host plant areas where you can watch native bees at work, and sitting areas where you can watch other wonderful pollinators. An important lesson, is that together we can all make a difference, even the smallest plant pot, pile of logs, unmowed lawn, water source such as a saucer or birdbath, or educated use of the best pesticide (or even when to use) helps towards change.
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Beekeeping lessons, both group and individual. Beginner through to harvest.
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Beekeeper experiences, don't have room for honeybees but want to see how it all works, then this is for you.
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Mentoring. When you get honeybees and need a little extra help.
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Pollination services, occasionally we will put hives out in orchards or farms.
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Home school visits and group talks.
Bels Bees offers the following;
A few important notes. Bees can sting, along with wasps and other bugs. If you know you are allergic, and have any life threatening conditions to these stings, then this is NOT a lesson for you.
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