Boosting bees in Knowsley

21 February 2011

An initiative to create ‘bee-spoke’ homes for an endangered species has been launched in Knowsley.

Knowsley’s Green Space Ranger service is running sessions in parks across the borough aimed at encouraging nature lovers of all ages to create ‘bee-houses’ to boost the local bee population.

One of the first events was at Huyton Lane Wetlands when locals of all ages – including seven-year-old Daisy Swift - used canes, reeds and straws to create simple structures which will hopefully attract solitary female bees ready to lay their eggs.

Cllr Eddie Connor, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Community and Culture said: “Bees are extremely important to our environment as they pollinate many of the crops we depend on. Now 25% of our native bees are listed as endangered species, so finding nest sites has become crucially important for our bee population.

“This initiative is important as it encourages nature lovers to take an interest in their environment as well as giving the bees a helping hand.”