Landscape & Urban Design Issue 37 2019 | Page 59

At the end of each season a guaranteed, personalised supply of honey is a very special gift from your company. There is no better way to make a tangible difference to British eco- systems, and to let people know what that you’re serious about sustainability. “People love bees,” says Thalia. “They associate them with honey and with the summer. And we’re also becoming Government intends to do, efforts it “This is an opportunity to make your more aware of their importance to the has pledged to maintain after Brexit. own contribution. Individual bees from countryside and to food supply, and the threat that they are under.” The exact cause of this fall in bee Bee and pollinator populations around Climate change probably plays a role; the world have declined. the decline in native wild flowers In November 2017, Parliament gathered together the best contemporary research on numbers is not yet fully understood. certainly does. Pesticides, disease, parasites, and invasive species could also be contributing. bee populations for a debate at It’s an important issue. The House of Westminster Hall. Commons Library’s research put the They reported a long-term decline in UK pollinators, for which the your hive will fly up to 3 miles each a day, pollinating as they forage for food. A hive can contain up to 50,000 bees, and they can pollinate billions of flowers and help produce thousands of tons of apples, and hundreds of tons of pears and cherries. “Your company can really make a difference.” value of pollinators like bees to the UK Thalia – who became fascinated by economy at about £600 million a year. bees after hearing the buzzing of a more than 250 species of UK bees But according to Thalia, it is relatively are used as an indicator. A National easy to make an impact on a personal Pollinator Strategy sets out whet the and corporate level. neighbour’s hives as a child – will manage hives wrapped with high- quality branding in a safe site, visiting around once a week during the summer. Bee Conservation is fully insured, and Thalia is happy to explain her work and the lives of the colonies to staff who want to know more. Honey yields are guaranteed, branded with your logo and personalised labels, and make a wonderful promotional gift or staff reward. Contact Bee Conservation now to find out more: beeconservation.org.uk