Bees: protecting our pollinators

There are many elements in which humans impact our environment, and a big problem involving small creatures is the disappearance of pollinators. Through deforestation and the loss of green spaces many pollinators, and particularly bees, have been disappearing which can have dire consequences for our planet.

In this article we will discuss why it’s important to protect pollinators and bees in particular and what businesses can do to help.

Why it’s important to protect bees

Bees play an integral role in the production of food, ecosystem health and biodiversity. Without bees a significant portion of the world’s crops including fruits, vegetables and nuts could not be produced. Protecting bees will help ensure that future generations can continue to meet their needs and that the environment remains protected.

What can you do to support pollinators as a business

While it may seem that protecting the environment is not relevant within business, it is the responsibility of us all. Considering that businesses make up a large percentage of the global environmental impact, taking the steps to help the environment as a business can make a huge impact. Here are some ways you can support bees in any organisation:

Green spaces

Providing green spaces will not only help our pollinators, but also will improve staff wellbeing and motivation. Look into improving the space outside of your offices by seeding wildflowers. This can be done in any size building, from grand outdoor spaces to windowsill flower beds or rooftop gardens, look for the spaces that you can utilise to bring some colour, sunshine, and pollinators to your environment.

Encourage “No Mow May”

The No Mow May campaign encourages people to not mow their lawns in May to help support wildflowers and pollinators like bees and butterflies. Having long grass provides vital food and habitat for wildlife and helps to strength pollinators after a long winter.

If your business has a grass area, consider letting it grow and only mowing it in June. You can also encourage your employees to follow suit and use this opportunity as an employee challenge to boost morale and employee engagement.

Call a beekeeper

With the reduction of green spaces and outdoor habitats, bees might seek out new places to build their hives. This might not always be a convenient place and may very well be inside of your office building or in its surroundings. If you do find that you have a bee problem, do not call an exterminator.

Instead, calling a beekeeper for support will ensure that the bees are not killed and instead relocated safely to a safe space where they can reestablish their hive and continue to flourish.

LMP’s “bees” initiative

LMP Group is committed to supporting our environment and part of our environmental commitment is supporting bees. To do so, the group sponsors a beehive in the black mountains to help beekeepers maintain their hives and keep the bees safe. Additionally, we encourage wildflower and tree planting to promote new habitats for bees.

Learn more about LMP’s environmental commitment.