Bees drinking nectar

© Angela Parker/Offse

The bee's knees. The buzz about bees

Busy bees play a critical role in the world’s ecosystem and are estimated to contribute to one third of the world’s food supply by pollinating crops. There are more than 250 types of bee in the UK and, around the world, more than 20,000 species, including solitary bees, bumblebees and honey bees.These industrious insects pollinate crops including apples, pears, plums and raspberries. Unfortunately, the population of bees and other insects has declined from historic levels due to a variety of factors, such as parasites, pathogens, pesticides and the loss of habitat. What are some things you can do to help bees in particular? Plant bee-friendly flowers, avoid the use of pesticides in your garden and buy local honey to support beekeepers in your area. Let's try to make the world 'bee' nicer.