A Beekeeper’s View: Simple Ways to Help Sussex Pollinators

by Daisy Day, Master Beekeeper

In Britain there are around 250 different species of bees. A few of these are social insects living in large organised communities such as bumblebees and of course honeybees. All bees feed on nectar for energy and feed their larvae on pollen for protein, both collected from flowers.

Pollination is a vital part of how plants reproduce. Crops and wildflowers rely on insects like bees to transfer pollen, helping them set seed and grow the next generation. A large proportion of our food depends on this process. Apples, raspberries and peas all benefit from insect pollination. Without pollinators yields would be lower and we would lose much of the variety in our diets.

Bees are an excellent indicator of a healthy environment and sadly all of our pollinators are under threat. The reasons are complex and include habitat loss and climate change. But the good news is that there is plenty we can do to help and it often starts at home. 

Leaving a small area of your garden undisturbed can make a big difference. Overwintering bumblebee queens need quiet places to hibernate and long grass or a log pile might be all they need. Mowing your lawn less often allows flowers like dandelions to bloom and support insects early in the season. You could also make simple insect houses using hollow stems or pine cones or leave standing dead wood for solitary bees to lay their eggs. Early flowering plants such as crocus and snowdrop provide essential forage.

Taking part in Plantlife’s No Mow May campaign is another easy way to support pollinators. Letting your lawn grow throughout May allows more species to thrive and gives us a chance to notice what returns when we step back.

You can also support bees by buying local honey. This helps fund beekeepers and the honey contains pollen from your area which may even support your immune system. Or you might consider keeping bees yourself. There are several beekeeping associations nearby with teaching apiari

es where you can learn to manage a hive safely and responsibly. If you decide it is for you membership is usually affordable and support is available throughout the year.

There is an auction of beekeeping equipment and bees at Brinsbury College north of Pulborough each spring. A second-hand hive might cost £30 or £40 and as long as it keeps out the rain and draughts the bees will be perfectly content. This year’s auction is on 26 April and local beekeepers will be there to offer advice.

There are four beekeeping associations in our area covering Horsham, Worthing, Chichester and formerly Wisborough Green. Full details can be found at westsussexbeekeepers.org.uk.

This is how I began my own beekeeping journey. Twenty years on I am still learning and now have over 100 colonies around the county. If you ever get the chance to look inside a beehive, take it, you never know where it might lead. 

If you would like to support more pollinator education and community planting work, Sussex Green Living welcomes donations, sponsorship or match funding to help expand our Pollination Education Stations across the district. Find out more at: sussexgreenliving.org.uk/renature.

Daisy Day, Master Beekeeper