With spring underway and summer approaching soon, we begin to witness the emergence of various wildlife, from butterflies to ladybirds, and notably, bees. However, the bee population in the UK is dwindling due to factors such as habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.
A study by WWF revealed that 17 species have become regionally extinct in the east of England, highlighting the serious threat facing native bee species. Recent research by 100Green's garden experts discovered that two-thirds (69%) of UK adults are concerned about the decline in bees.
The study also found that older adults are more worried about the loss of bees, with three-quarters (78%) of over 65 year olds expressing concern, compared to only 56% of 18-24 year olds.
Interestingly, the research indicated a lack of understanding among UK adults about the role of bees. One in five (21%) admitted they don't understand how bees affect the planet, while four in five (80%) acknowledged that bees are crucial for our ecosystem.
The study also revealed that just over half (57%) of 18-24 year olds believe that bees are important to the ecosystem, suggesting a need for greater education among younger adults about the vital role bees play in our ecosystem and the planet. After all, pollination by bees is incredibly important for the planet.
Previous reports from the UK government indicate that bees play a crucial role in food production, contributing approximately £500 million annually to UK farming and food. But what does this mean for our everyday grocery shopping?
Shockingly, further research by 100Green reveals that over half (54%) of the typical fruits purchased by UK consumers would be affected by the loss of bees and pollinators.
In response to this, green energy experts have teamed up with the floristry team at Peony & Pose to provide tips on how UK residents can cultivate bee-friendly gardens to support wildlife and combat the declining bee population. Here's what a spokesperson had to say.
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"Planting a wide range of flowers and plants in your garden is beneficial for UK pollinators, as it provides them with a diverse diet. If you maintain a vegetable garden, interspersing it with various flowers can enhance your yield and control weeds, benefiting both you and the bees.
"When selecting flowers for bees, keep in mind that bees perceive purple better than any other colour. Therefore, flowers like catmint, scabious, lavender, verbena and alliums are ideal for them."
"The first step towards attracting wildlife to your garden is to plant some bee-friendly flora. Bees are particularly fond of our herbs. Allowing your outdoor herbs like mint, thyme and oregano to bloom lets the bees enjoy them too."
"Some bees can emerge as early as February, so don't forget to get your spring bulbs, like crocus and daffodils, planted in autumn."
"Resorting to pesticides to eliminate weeds and unwanted insects from your garden may seem like a simple solution–but these chemicals are not only harmful to your plants but also to any wildlife. Instead of poisonous pesticides, you can manually remove weeds if necessary, and employ preventative measures for pests such as slugs."
"If you're new to gardening, don't worry, many flowers are straightforward to grow and maintain. Sunflowers are a wonderful flower for the entire family to enjoy, and they always spark healthy competition. One of the key plants for bees, lavender, is robust and thrives well in pots, plus it smells delightful.
"Opting for native flowers will increase your chances of success. Foxgloves are a classic flower for an English garden, bees adore their tubular shape, and they can flourish in various conditions such as full sun and shade."
If you notice a fatigued bee, you can also do your best to provide it with some first aid. You'll typically spot a tired bee on the pavement or grass, and there are some simple steps to help them recover.
Carefully lift the bee using some paper or a leaf and place the bee in a safe location. You can position the bee on a flower to see if it'll go for the pollen, but they might be too exhausted to do this.
If the bee refuses to feed from a flower, you can concoct a simple solution of sugar and warm water to nourish it. Place a few droplets of this mixture near the bee, and watch as its tongue extends to lap it up. This sugary concoction should revitalise the bee, allowing it to resume its buzzing activities around your garden.
According to a statement on 100Green's website: "A UK Gov reports indicate that bees are fundamental to food production, contributing around £500 million a year to UK farming and food. Bees, along with other pollinators such as wasps and beetles, play a crucial role in the pollination of UK fruits, with some supermarket favourites reliant on these insects for growth."
The statement continues: "To understand the potential impact on our daily lives, we analysed various food groups for their dependency on pollinators. If bees and other pollinating insects were to disappear, foods with a high reliance on pollinators could vanish from our shelves and ecosystems. Our findings revealed that this includes items like almonds, blueberries, mangoes, and even pumpkins—putting certain Halloween traditions and recipes at risk.
"When examining the average UK shopping basket, we discovered that we would lose 10% of the usual products if bees were to become extinct. The loss of bees would particularly affect our consumption of fruits and nuts, as these are the areas most dependent on pollinators.
"When looking at the standard UK basket, our analysis found that half (54%) of the fruit in the average UK supermarket shop has a 'high dependency' on pollinators, meaning we could lose these popular items. When looking at the importance of bees, and the impact their loss would have on our weekly shop."
The study reveals that if bees were to disappear, UK households would be deprived of staples like kiwis, raspberries, and melons. Not to mention the disappearance of products such as jams and, naturally, honey. Even items with a lesser reliance on pollinators would feel the sting of bee loss:
The potential scarcity of these fruits would affect not only our shopping habits but also our health, particularly concerning vitamin C levels. Dr Rimas Geiga, Registered Dietician and Clinical Nutritionist (RDN) at Glow Bar London, spoke to 100Green about the critical role of vitamin C and the consequences of its deficiency.
Dr Geiga emphasised: "I cannot overstate the importance of vitamin C in human health. This nutrient is not merely an immune booster. It's also a biochemical necessity for multiple physiological functions. Unlike many animals, humans lack the enzyme required to synthesize vitamin C, making dietary intake essential.
"One of its most critical roles is in collagen synthesis. Without adequate vitamin C, collagen production declines, leading to fragile skin, weakened blood vessels, and impaired wound healing. I stress that this is not a cosmetic issue but a structural one, affecting everything from bone integrity to cardiovascular function. Deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of aneurysms and arterial damage, emphasizing its role in vascular health."
She added: "Vitamin C is also a key player in iron absorption. Iron deficiency anaemia, particularly in plant-based diets, can often be traced to inadequate vitamin C intake rather than iron itself. It enhances non-heme iron absorption, making it indispensable for individuals with dietary restrictions.
"Clinically, I find that subclinical vitamin C deficiency is often overlooked. Fatigue, irritability, and slow recovery from infections are early signs, yet they are frequently misattributed. A deficiency does not manifest overnight but develops gradually, undermining long-term health. This is why I insist that consistent intake is non-negotiable."
