Help Save the Woodcroft Wildspace Bees

As the bees are introduced into their new home on the Woodcroft Wildspace site in Winchmore Hill, the struggle for survival for these and the rest of Britain's bees gets tougher.

As part of a Big Lottery Breathing Places award, we have been able to build and equip our apiary ready for the 2009 season. However the threat of virus, wet weather, insecticides, parasites and lack of food mean that there is a real risk that these bees could die out before local residents get a chance to sample their honey.

Bees are vital in helping to produce food and flowers. Without them, our environment could change drastically. Bees need nectar and pollen filled habitats and rely on urban gardens as the face of our countryside changes with time. But urban life isn't always ideal, and where bees choose to make a good home can very often be a nuisance for us. In an urban environment, hives are an answer to this housing problem.

Housing is not the only problem for city dwelling bees. Bees require flowers all through the breeding season from March to September but they need to be able to feed on native wild flowers. Unfortunately the exotic or highly cultivated garden flowers which many people like to plant in their gardens aren't good for bees.

Through the planting of wildflowers on the Woodcroft site, these local bees have a fighting chance of survival. But they need your help!

If you or your children planted wildflower seeds on June 7th, (Big Dig Day) return to the Woodcroft site during the following weeks to water your seedlings and flowers for your class and/or school. And then come and enjoy the Bees Housewarming celebrations on Sunday 12th July!