Albert Einstein once predicted that if bees were wiped out humans would have just four years to live, a rather sobering fact when you consider that we rely on bees to pollinate 90 of the flowering crops we rely on to obtain the food we eat. The decline of the Western bee populations has been noticed by gardeners and commented on widely by journalists with various reasons being given from overuse of pesticides to destruction of habitat, and scientists worldwide are currently investigating why this is happening.  While the scientists try to work it out, the Herb Society have joined the debate with our BEE AWARE! Campaign, in our journal and on our website you can learn more about herbs to grow to help bees, the joys and benefits of using bee products such as honey and beeswax and what you can do to help bees survive in your garden and local area.

It has been shown that pesticides affect how bees communicate and their ability to get back to the hive.  Add to that the fact that they are vulnerable due to a weak immune system which means they cannot withstand more than three challenges, and the outlook is pretty bleak.  

Bee Aware is the theme for our AGM/Conference on 25/26 June when we will invite prominent speakers to share their findings with us, and wherever we appear at garden shows during 2010 the campaign will be highlighted. Throughout the year our journal Herbs will contain a variety of articles on bees, herbs and bee products as will the website. A world without bees is unimaginable. They pollinate one third of all the food we eat and without them we would be faced with vastly reduced crop yields.   Do your bit by including bee-friendly herbs and bee boxes in your gardens and keep off those pesticides!

Useful Links

Bumblebee Conservation Trust British Beekeepers Association Natural Beekeeping Trust Friends Of The Bees

Operation Bumblebee Soil Association: Save The Honeybee The Co-operative: Plan Bee International Bee Research Association