Bees play a vital role in our existence. In addition to bringing us joy when we encounter them in our forests and gardens, they are essential for our physical well-being and the overall health of the environment. One of the key contributions of bees is their role in pollinating food crops.

 

While there are alternative methods of pollination, such as through other animals or the wind, wild bees are capable of pollinating on a larger and more efficient scale. Estimates indicate that if UK farmers were to manually pollinate their crops, it would cost an astonishing £1.8 billion annually.

 

Furthermore, bees are responsible for pollinating many of the crops that serve as animal feed. Without their contribution, the production of meat, eggs, and dairy products would become significantly more challenging. Moreover, bees are crucial for sustaining the ecosystem. Without bees and the numerous other insect species that inhabit the UK, our ecosystem would quickly collapse. Bees pollinate our native trees and wildflowers, which in turn support other insects. These insects then provide sustenance and shelter for birds, bats, mammals and every other organism in the food chain.