Today is World Bee Day! The purpose of the international day is to acknowledge the role of bees and other pollinators for the ecosystem.
In Ireland there are 77 solitary bee species, 21 bumble bee species and one honey bee species. One third of our bee species are under threat of extinction.
In this video, Aoife Leader, Walsh Scholar explains the importance of bees to the environment and biodiversity on Irish farms. Aoife identifies the simple measures farmers can take to help protect bees on their farm.
Why are bees important?
Pollination of food crops(Oilseed Rape, Peas, Beans, Apples, Soft Fruits)
Pollination of wild flowers and trees
Production of honey
Bees can be used to show a green image for Irish food
Why bee numbers are declining?
Reducion in wildflowers. Pollen provides protein for bees while nectar provides carbohydrates
Less nesting sites for bees
Lack of continuity of flowering plants: Bees require food all year round, requiring a diversity of flowering plants in the landscape
How can we help bees?
Allow space for diversity of wildflowers to grow
Along farm roadways, around farmyards, around field margins, in the corners of fields
Field Margins
Fence off from livestock
Cut or graze after flowering
Do not fertilise
Do not spray
Non farmed areas - around the farmyard, in field corners, along farm roadways
Allow flowering plants to flower
Do not spray
Do not cut until after flowering
Spraying insecticides in tillage crops
Spray early morning and late evening when honey bees are less active
Notify local beekeepers
Hedgerows
Irish hedgerows are full of flora and fauna if well managed. They are of value to pollinators only if flowers are present. A variety of hedgerow types is desirable on every farm.
Aim for a diversity of flowering plants - allow mature trees, new saplings and climbers grow and flower
Allow wildflowers to grow at the base
When cutting the hedge, side trim to a triangular shape with a wide base
Leave the peak on the hedge as high as possible
Allow individual thorn trees mature at irregular intervals
Bee boxes
Some solitary bees are cavity nesters and nest in hollowed twigs or holes in wood or masonry.
Making a Bee Box
Wood - not treated with insecticide / preservative
Selection of hole sizes - between 3/8 and ¼ inch
Clean smooth holes
Selection of holes - Include hollow stems e.g. bamboo
Holes must not interconnect - dead-end required
Pack with subsoil - substitute clay bank
When placing the bee box, it is important to have the box near flowering plants, at least 40 cm off the ground, in a sheltered and sunny spot facing south to south-west and fixed firmly, as bees will be navigating home to the bee box.
Source: EMM/ The Agriculture and Food Development Authority
