Buzzy Bees for Biodiversity

By Finn Leonetti of Merchiston Castle School

Here at School, we have a beautiful site which is brilliantly maintained. However, this does not always benefit insects and pollinators such as bees. Therefore, there are a few sites on the school grounds, such as the new pond and outside Woodlands, where we are rewilding. Rewilding allows nature to return to its self. It’s a form of conservation which increases biodiversity. If you would like to try rewilding at home, all you need to do is find an area of your garden and do not cut the grass. It will save you time and you will be helping the bees.

We love bees and we are encouraging more to visit the School garden by planting a few pollinator friendly plants. Flowering plants make it easy to be bee-friendly, but if you are considering your own invite the bees garden - consider also having some early and later flowering plants such as snowdrops. So what exactly does a bee-friendly garden look like? To make a real difference aim for at least two kinds of bee-friendly plant for each flowering period. Use a variety of flowers. Different shapes, colours and scents will appeal to the likes of different insects and bee species. Pick flowers that are rich in pollen. Bees don't see colour as humans do - they see mixes of blue and green - but they also see ultraviolet light that many flowers have to attract them to the pollen which we can't see. In general they will use scent rather than sight. They are so cute!