Bees are in trouble! Domesticated honeybees suffer from both diseases and habitat loss while bumblebees also suffer from dramatic loss of habitat. This bee problem is serious. Insect pollination contributes hundreds of millions of pounds to the UK economy. Oilseed rape, beans, tomatoes, strawberries and many other crops are pollinated by these insects, yet domesticated honeybees suffer from both diseases and habitat loss while bumblebees also suffer from dramatic loss of habitat.

We all need to do our part to help bees, whether by planting bee-friendly plants, making bee nests, encouraging schools and local authorities to plant bee areas or by supporting the work of the scientists and UK beekeepers who are working hard to try and solve the mystery of the dying honeybees.

That’s why the British Science Association (www.britishscienceassociation.org) will be running the “Save Our Bees” campaign (www.saveourbees.org.uk) during National Science and Engineering Week (6 – 15 March 2009). In the East Midlands we are planning two events, one for the public and one for land managers. 

For more information visit www.helpmidlandsbees.org.uk or e-mail .