North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Take part in Great Kiwi Bee Count
Gardeners and school children are being invited to run the very first ‘‘citizen science’’ survey of bee numbers in New Zealand.
Fairfax Media is running The Great Kiwi Bee Count, intended to provide a base line for generations of research into the bees that are responsible for pollinating a third of everything we eat and drink.
Throughout September, Kiwis young and old are encouraged to get into their gardens, parks or neighbourhood – preferably on a sunny day – pick a plant, and count how many bees they see.
They can then record the results on stuff.co.nz/ greatkiwibeecount.
The data gathered from across New Zealand over the month will help scientists work out the state of bee health and numbers in the country, and provide a baseline figure for a future ‘‘bee census’’.
And it’s not just home gardeners that are getting behind The Great Kiwi Bee Count.
Teachers and preschoolers at ABC Mt Eden nursery are preparing to plant bee-friendly shrubs and sow wildflowers in a disused corner of the property.
The children have really got into the spirit of citizen science, says centre manager Harriet O’Sullivan. ‘‘It has been great to be talking about mini-beasts and gardens as we prepare for spring time and planting our new wild urban space.’’