Government help for farmers and communities to protect bees

22 July 2013

Natural Resources Minister Alun Davies will announce new measures tomorrow (Tuesday 23rd July) [1] to protect bees, which could include helping farmers and communities to do more to tackle the pollinator crisis.

Bees and other pollinating insects are in steep decline. Wild honey bees are nearly extinct in many areas, and some species of bumblebee have been lost altogether. Recent research has revealed it would cost at least £1.8 billion a year to pollinate crops by hand if bees were to disappear [2].

Friends of the Earth Cymru last year called on the Welsh Government to draw up plans to halt the decline of bees and other essential pollinators [3], and now the environment charity has warmly welcomed the intention for an Action Plan for Pollinators.

Friends of the Earth bee campaigner Bleddyn Lake hopes the plan will include help and advice for farmers and communities, and will see pesticide regulations devolved to the Welsh Government.

"We're delighted the Welsh Government has acted on our call to help protect bees and other pollinators, which are threatened throughout the UK," he said.

"This plan is the first of its kind in the UK. We're hoping it will mean support for farmers and local authorities to reduce herbicide use and provide more forage areas. Help needs to be given to communities, schools, businesses and the public to create pollinator-friendly areas, to replace some of the 97% of wildflower meadow areas lost since 1930.

"It's also important that pesticide regulations are devolved, so that the Welsh Government can take a strong line to protect our environment.

"It's fantastic that Wales is taking the lead with action to safeguard our environment and save the economy millions of pounds - let's get the country buzzing."

NOTES

1. The Welsh Government's Action Plan for Pollinators will be launched at the Woodland Trust's stand at the Royal Welsh Show, 11.00am Tuesday 23rd July. Friends of the Earth campaigners will be available for interviews in Welsh and English 
2. University of Reading research has found it would cost the UK an extra £1.8billion every year to hand-pollinate crops without bees.
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3. Friends of the Earth's The Bee Cause campaign is supporting individuals to make change in their gardens and communities to help bees, and asking governments for action: www.foe.co.uk/bees

For further information, please contact Friends of the Earth Cymru on 029 2022 9577