Bees pollinate an incredible two thirds of the world’s food production. Foods such as fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds are all dependent upon bees. Alarmingly, however, bee populations around the world are in serious trouble.

To raise awareness about these productive little pollinators and their plight, the Gungahlin SEE-Change group hosted a talk on bees in February. Julie Armstrong from ACT for Bees, explained the vital role they play in pollination and food production. She also described the harm that pesticides, herbicides and agricultural practices can do to bees. Happily, we can all do something to help by building healthy habitats for these special creatures in our backyards, on our balconies, in our businesses and schools.

For engaging and empowering free Australian curriculum aligned resources go to Love Food? Love Bees! They now include getting to know our local native bees and ways to plant for them.

One of our local native bees Lasioglissum on a Yam daisy. Over 100 Australian native bees live in the ACT out of 1,200 known species Australia wide! Image: provided by ACT for Bees

Leafcutter bee laying eggs in a bee hotel. Go to ACT for Bees/ Australian native bees for more information on best ways to build bee hotels. Image: provided by ACT for Bees

Here are a few ideas:

volunteer your time and talent - ACT for Bees is looking for volunteers with presentation, social media and event coordination skills. Sign up here today to help champion bees
grow native groundcovers and shrubs. For small spaces grow herbs including lavender, rosemary, sage, perennial basil and borage. Bees love the colours purple blue and yellow! Borage is great to plant near your vegie patch to attract these crucial pollinators. ACT for Bees: Gardening for Bees has great guides to plants
avoid pesticides, herbicides and fungicides and use bee friendly pest management, like companion planting, in your garden
be bee aware - visit ACT for Bees at www.actforbees.org and subscribe to their newsletter. It’s jam (honey?)-packed with information
for more inspiration check out For the Love of Bees, a New Zealand website recommended by Julie
buy local honey
join in local celebrations for World Bee Day and World Biodiversity Day on Saturday 22nd May 2021 and share posts from ACT for Bees Facebook page with your family and friends. 🐝

Be kind to bees - and save the world’s food 🐝