Without bees, there would be far less natural history. They are key to pollinating plants (including crops and orchard trees) and flowers in gardens but also on farms. They also produce honey as a by product of all this activity.
Bees are also troubled. They are under threat from a range of different directions:
- the use of chemicals which harm them, which are able to be used despite the known risks
- the rise of the varroa mite - varroa destructor - which theatens bee colonies
- changing conditions: heat, drought, and a loss of biodiversity in the plants they harvest nectar from
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust is working hard to protect these vital animals.
It's one of several charities which are probably worth exploring for their work, and also connections with resources.
The charity has a learning zone.
This ID poster might make a useful resource for a classroom wall.
You might also consider working to make your school a Bumblebee friendly school.
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