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Celebrating World Bee Day

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Today, 20th May is World Bee Day  

We would like to celebrate bees and the importance they have to the rich biodiversity of the landscape especially here in Lough Erne. Bees (and other pollinators), are increasingly under threat! Pollinators and the process of pollination is a critical process for the survival of our ecosystems.  

Nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend, entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75% of the world’s food crops and 35% of global agricultural land. Not only do pollinators contribute directly to food security, but they are key to conserving biodiversity. 

To raise awareness the 20th May 2021 is WORLD BEE DAY, which aims to raise awareness surrounding bees and other pollinators.  

We need to act now! 

Bees are under threat. Present species extinction rates are 100 to 1,000 times higher than normal due to human impacts. Close to 35 percent of invertebrate pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies face extinction globally. 

If this trend continues, nutritious crops, such as fruits, nuts and many vegetable crops will suffer, as bees and other pollinators are required for these crops to flourish.  

Intensive farming practices, land-use change, mono-cropping, pesticides and higher temperatures associated with climate change all pose problems for bee populations and, by extension, the quality of food we grow. 

How can you help the bees?  

  • Plant a diverse set of native plants, which flower at different times of the year. 
  • Avoid using pesticides, fungicides or herbicides in our gardens. 
  • Participate in No Mow May and let the wild flowers in your lawn bloom, providing a feast of nectar for our hungry pollinators. 

For further information about World Bee Day visit: http://www.fao.org/world-bee-day/en/  

The Lough Erne Landscape Partnership, working in conjunction with Fermanagh Beekeepers Association, Buglife, Butterfly Conservation and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, is delivering a project whose aim is to preserve and enhance the pollinator diversity in Fermanagh and therefore to help underpin the biodiversity of the LELP area. Visit HERE for more information.