Picture a peaceful scene: reeds caress the surface of a stream, and the soft velvet fragrance of flowers touches the breeze on a summer's day. The droplets of dew are gold as melted sugar under the sun that dapples the grass. But such a moment wouldn't be perfect without the key component that ecosystems across the UK depend upon to thrive. Wild bees serve a unique purpose in preserving the natural beauty we cherish. So why have we, across the past decades, allowed them to experience a significant decline in numbers, affecting populations of flora and fauna across the country?

Of the multitude of threats to bees today, the most prominent is the change in agriculture, leading to more intensive farming. This can include the widespread use of pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, which can kill bees, lower their resistance to disease or prevent reproduction. Moreover, invasive species such as hornets can be predators to or compete with wild bees to cause a decline in the population.

Finally, urban sprawl and the fragmentation of already diminished wildflower meadow habitats can prevent pollination and reduce the number of bees that survive harsh winters. Around 13 of 35 bee species in the UK have already been lost. Clearly, this is a tragedy which must be prevented.

Although there are many pollinating species, bees are some of the most successful, allowing plant populations to not only grow, but diversify. This leads plants to have a greater chance of survival when faced with adverse environmental conditions, such as strong weather or an outbreak of disease. A loss of plant species decreases access to food and shelter for animals further up the food chain, leading to increased competition and a dramatic loss of species that depend on trees and flowers to sustain them. A loss of bees could also affect agriculture, leading to a lower crop yield and foods in high demand to become more expensive. 

Small-scale projects, though, are a step towards slowing the decline in wild bees. Dense gardens with layers of plants and grasses can provide shelter throughout the seasons, and flowers like verbena, foxglove and lavender make for the perfect welcome to your garden. Supporting local charities or beekeepers as well as raising awareness through social networks can also make a difference, and inspire people nationally so we can work together to save our wild bees.