BRITAIN’S shrinking bee population is being given a much-needed boost from Yorkshire’s leading housebuilder, which is launching an initiative to plant hundreds of bee-friendly plants at its developments across the region.
Bee numbers declined by 20 per cent last winter alone, according to a survey by the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA).
And that’s not only bad news for people who like honey. Because bees are vital pollinators in the food chain, with some 70 per cent of crops in the UK either dependent on, or benefiting from, visits from the humble bee. It has even been estimated that their value to the British economy is around £200 million.
With modern farming practices continuing to disturb the bee’s natural habitats, Barratt Yorkshire East is taking the initiative by planting species such as honeysuckles, foxgloves, poppies, lavenders and catmint around its new homes. All of these make the bee feel like it is in clover.
“We aim to create outstanding environments where people will aspire to live,” said Paul Hogan, Sales Director at Barratt Yorkshire East.
“For that reason we want to support the biodiversity at our developments and create new habitats which will be there for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.”
“Plants and shrubs need to be put-in now if they’re going to be any use when the bees emerge from their hives in the spring. We hope that our initiative will raise awareness of how important the bee is in the British garden and encourage others to provide more habitat and forage at their own homes.”
“It is very encouraging to see companies such as Barratt Yorkshire East taking steps to help the bee population and would persuade more people to think about ways that they too can help,” said Tim Lovett, President of the BBKA.
“People can encourage bees to visit their garden by planting single flowering plants and vegetables, such as flowering herbs, mints and beans. Tall plants such as foxgloves and hollyhocks are also popular with bees.”
Participating developments in the Wakefield area include Millers Croft, Castleford and The Wharf, Knottingley.
For further information on current availability and prices at Barratt Yorkshire East please call Central Sales on 0800 590 733 or visit www.barratthomes.co.uk
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