An explanation for a decline of our bees

[YFS]

Hi

The decline of honeybees seen in many countries may be caused by reduced plant diversity, research suggests.
Bees fed pollen from a range of plants showed signs of having a healthier immune system than those eating pollen from a single type, scientists found.

BBC News - Bee decline linked to falling biodiversity

There is just too many people on the planet, and this is leading to mother nature throwing a wobbly.

YFS

[Jeanied]

Thanks for posting this YFS - another one in the eye for GM monoculturists!

[binley100]

.....and that's why I've been buying yet more seeds. Got plenty of veg seeds now onto flowers to feed the bees.

[Headfry]

Thanks YFS will keep an eye on this!

[beesontoast]

I would certainly agree that reduced biodiversity is partly to blame, alongside the widespread use of extremely toxic, systemic pesticides by farmers and gardeners, and the continued use of synthetic medications by too many beekeepers.

[SueA]

That's interesting YFS, it seems there could be lots of different causes contributing to the decline in bees, generally hastened by man.

[stupot]

I want bees! Unfortunately my OH is just slightly allergic to them. (Blue light taxi to hospital). I am endevouring to have as many different pretty flowers as possible.

I'm a man. I like flowers ... but I don't arrange them or put bows on them ...yet

[Headfry]

Hey stupot, how about doing a bee course or get hold of local group to see if you can help someone with their bees- better still ask around to see if anyone has a site you where you can keep your bees?
The Oxon bee keepers have ads in their news letter advertising 'sites' available to bee keepers! its fantastic that people actually ask for bee keepers to have bees on their land- bless them all, it really helps.
Keep growing the flowers - hellebores and crocus are real life savers for bees this time of year!
Good luck hope you find a way, but take care of OH reactions can be nasty and very scary

[stupot]

Cheers Headfry. I've looked into it - Newbury College do beginners Bee keeping.

[basketcase]

.....and that's why I've been buying yet more seeds.

Of course it is, Binley...

[basketcase]

I want bees! Unfortunately my OH is just slightly allergic to them. (Blue light taxi to hospital). I am endevouring to have as many different pretty flowers as possible.

I'm a man. I like flowers ... but I don't arrange them or put bows on them ...yet

I want bees too, stupot. But I live in a first floor flat and the council won't let me keep them (or chickens, or any livestock) on my lottie. Very short-sighted if you ask me.

You should watch The Victorian Kitchen Garden and The Victorian Flower Garden. Seems the Head Gardener used to be responsible not just for growing the flowers, but for doing the arrangements. And bouquets. And hair ornaments etc.