Bees play an extremely important role as earth's pollinators, out of the 100 crop species that provide us with 90% of our food, 35% are pollinated by bees birds and bats, however bees are the primary initiators of reproduction among plants, fruits and vegetables.

Many of the UK’s bee species are under threat. Bumblebees in particular have seen large declines in their populations, and two of our 26 native species have become extinct since the 1940s. The main reason for these declines has been the loss of habitat, especially flower-rich grasslands. 

I believe that my local authority, South Cambridgeshire Council, could do a lot more to manage its land in ways that make it more suitable for bumblebees and other wildlife. 

For example, the flower beds have plants which cannot be used by bees because they produce no pollen or nectar – the only things that bees can feed on. There are also a number of areas where grass is mown multiple times per year. This constant mowing prevents the growth of wildflowers, which can also feed bees.

I believe that the council could save money by making some simple changes. Replacing annual bedding plants every year costs quite a bit of money, whereas many of the perennial bee-friendly plants will flower year after year, and therefore cost less in the long run. Also, cutting the grass fewer times would be cheaper than having it cut the 5-12 times per year, which the council is doing at present. By encouraging wildflowers to grow in these areas the council would be adding a welcome injection of colour into the landscape.

Help protect our habitat and save the bumblebees by signing this petition.