‘Let’s bee the change we want to see’

The Mayor of the West of England is passionate about bees, and to prove it he’s putting his ‘honey’ where his mouth is.

Dan Norris wants to make the West of England the “Bee and Pollinator Capital of the UK,” so he’s awarding grants of between £10,000 and £100,000 for West of England projects supporting the region’s bees, crops and flowers.

Habitat loss and bee-harming pesticide use mean 35 UK bee species could go extinct in the next few years. But simple steps such as planting trees and wildflowers can make a real difference.

“I’ve made bees a priority for the West of England Combined Authority I lead,” he said. “Bees are quite simply vital to make sure crops are pollinated and we have food to eat. But our pollinator pals have faced a tough few years so they need a helping hand.

“That’s why I am delighted to announce this £1 million for projects looking to protect and expand habitats for our food heroes. Together, let’s ‘bee’ the change we want to see”.

The funding is due to be launched by Mr Norris today, (August 4) at 1pm at Grow Batheaston. Whether it is planting wildflower meadows in schools, installing bee-friendly green roofs on community buildings or working with local people to construct “bee paths”, the grants will help pollinator-loving groups who are encouraged to apply.

Thanks to Grow Batheaston, over 500 native trees, 50 fruit trees and wildflower meadows have been planted, with the area now home to pollinating superstars including bees, butterflies, hoverflies and ladybirds.

The closing date to apply for a grant is September 18. Visit: www. westofengland-ca.gov.uk/what-wedo/environment/bee-and-pollinator-capital/bee-bold-pollinatorfund.