On 20 May it’s World Bee Day, a timely reminder to celebrate the hard graft of one of our planet’s leading pollinators and industrious insects.
As we know these frenetic stripey workaholics are vital for the everyday health of the planet’s eco system and food security, an enduring commitment that’s getting ever harder thanks to climate change, pesticides, disappearing habitats and the odd invasive species (Asian hornets and Varroa mites).
Three Top Companies Unite for the Month of May
It’s for this reason that Gnaw Chocolate (Bee Happy & Honeycomb & Caramel chocolate bars) Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co (honeyades) and Scottish Bee Co (honey-sweetened chocolate spread) have joined forces to offer a 15% discount off their designated ‘hero’ product/range should you visit any/all of their websites over the month of May!
It’s estimated that 75% of the world’s flowering plants and 35% of global food crops are dependent on bees’ hard graft, which is quite a weight of responsibility on their collective fuzzy shoulders
While everyone understands a little about the industrious nature of this most hardworking of insects, few of us truly appreciate the far-reaching influence our nation’s bees have on the success of our island’s flowering plants and food crops; which is why we wanted to bring together a discerning fine food representative from England, Scotland and Wales to celebrate World Bee Day.
The UK only produces 14% of its blossoming honey needs (growing +20% year on year), so it’s vital that we support local beekeeper associations, (there is one in Twickenham that has regular open days) the humble bee’s unrivalled work ethic and honey’s diverse appeal and versatility.
WAYS TO SUPPORT WORLD BEE DAY
World Bee Day was established by The United Nations to raise awareness for the noble honey bee and interestingly shares the birthday of Slovenian Anton Jansa, deemed by many to be the godfather of modern beekeeping.
No Mow May:
Saving a strip of lawn, or another wild area of the garden can be a great way to help struggling pollinators. Letting the weeds grow in May can give an essential food supply for pollinators until the summer kicks in properly.
S`warm out there:
May is a really important month for bees as it’s when they are rapidly expanding their populations to bring in a crop of honey whilstand raising new queens to continue the species’ survival. This is why we sometimes see bee swarms looking for a new home. Call a beekeeper, not a pest controller!
Look after those looking after the bees:
Buying products from those looking after our honeybees is a great way to invest in the future of UK beekeeping and the wider landscape.
Find your local beekeeper to purchase some jars of honey, or use this discount code WORLDBEEDAY for some sweet deals at:
gnawchocolate.co.uk
hivemindmead.com
scottishbeecompany.co.uk
