About The Bee Cause1 March 2012
Why is Friends of the Earth campaigning on bees?
Because bees are in trouble
Bee numbers in Britain have fallen dramatically in recent years. Three bumblebee species are already extinct.
Many factors are causing bees' decline - from habitat loss, to disease, to climate change. There is also growing evidence that some pesticides harm bees.
Because we need bees
Bees are essential to our food supply, economy and quality of life:
- Bees pollinate 75% of our most vital crops and favourite foods.
Without bees and other insects we'd also have 20% less vitamin C, 41% less vitamin A and 9% less calcium. - Without bees it would cost UK farmers £1.8 billion a year to pollinate our crops.
That's more than it costs farmers to produce all the milk consumed in the UK every year. - They're essential to our gardens, parks and countryside.
Bees and other insects help pollinate over 75% of our plants, which in turn are vital to our insects, birds and animals.
Because, thankfully, people are the solution
- People means the Government. Ask David Cameron to adopt a National Bee Action Plan. Let's ensure the way we farm our food, plan our towns and cities, and protect our wildlife, is better for bees.
- People means you. You can plant bee-friendly flowers, buy local honey or go on a Bee Walk. You can help bees at home, out and about, or in schools.
Please join The Bee Cause. And help save Britain's bees.
© Friends of the Earth