Honey Bees

We have been enjoying the honey made thanks to our honey bees' hard work for thousands of years! Although not as distinctive as a bumblebee, they are easily recognisable little black and gold bees. That, in the wild, live in large hives made of wax honeycombs. Hives can contain up to 50,000 bees. The queen lays eggs whilst the workers and drones care for the young and collect pollen and nectar.

Most Honeybees are now in managed hives. And are likely still responsible for pollinating 5-15% of the UK's insect-pollinated crops. Honey bees and other pollinators are vital for the survival of wild plants that support much of our wildlife, not just the food crops they pollinated.

You'll see honey bees in your garden from spring until late autumn, collecting pollen and nectar from a variety of flowers and blossoms. We can all do our bit to help out these tireless honey bees by planting an abundance of pollen and nectar-rich flowers in your garden, borders or planter pots. Another way to help is to let part of your garden grow wild, allowing wildflowers to grow and make great feeding sites. Wildlife World also have a range of hives and accessories for anyone keen to become a beekeeper and produce their honey!