Pollinator patch planting gets Somerset honeybees buzzing

(from left to right) Suzy Perkins from Somerton, Lynne Ingram from Taunton and Barry Hulatt from Quantock with wildflower seeds donated by Burts Bees

​Somerset beekeepers have been given wildflower seeds by Burts Bees to plant new pollinator patches in their apiaries. 
Quantock, Somerton and Taunton divisions of the Somerset Beekeepers’ Association (SBKA) are planting the seeds as part of the #Bringbackthebees campaign to provide more food for honeybees.
Burts Bees, together with the British Beekeepers’ Association, is on a mission to create more pollinator-friendly habitats and has donated enough seeds to grow more than 100 million flowers. 
SBKA Chairman, Anne Pike, said: “I would like to encourage everyone to try and plant their own pollinator patch because together we can make a real difference.
“The wildflower seeds have been specially selected to provide a pollen or nectar rich diet for honeybees.
“I’d like to thank Burts Bees for providing the seeds and to the beekeepers of Quantock, Somerton and Taunton for all their help.”
Pollen is especially important to honeybees when they are at the earliest stage of development and growing their wings because it is their only source of protein.
In common with many other creatures, including people, protein is an essential building block for growth and honeybees will fail to thrive without sufficient protein from pollen in their diet. 
Loss of habitat is believed to be one of the factors behind the decline in numbers of a wide range of pollinating insects including honeybees, bumble bees and butterflies. 
The seed planting campaign is an initiative under the BBKA’s Adopt a Beehive scheme which raises funds for environmental and educational projects.
Somerset Beekeepers’ Association is made up of 12 divisions and works to advance the craft of apiculture within its membership and to promote general awareness and understanding of honeybees. 

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