Bee-come a Wildlife Hero: Tips for Attracting Pollinators
Dear Friend,
What does our theme “Great or small, love them all” mean to you? In this week’s newsletter, we’re focusing on the ‘small’! With the decline of bees and other pollinators around the world, it’s more important than ever we take steps to help preserve these tiny creatures. You at home can help by creating a garden that attracts these important creatures. Not only will it help support local ecosystems, but it will also improve your garden’s productivity and beauty.
Tips and tricks to boost your garden’s wildlife.
Plant a diverse selection of flowers
Bees are attracted to a variety of flowers, so choose plants that bloom at different times throughout the season. Some great options include lavender, bee balm, and coneflowers. Not only will you have a beautiful garden, but you’ll also help to support the bee population.
Avoid using pesticide
Pesticides can be harmful to pollinators. They can disrupt their navigation abilities, foraging behaviour and overall health. This can lead to a decline in pollinator populations. Instead, you can opt for natural alternatives, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Provide a water source
Bees need water to survive, so make sure to provide a shallow water source in your garden. A bird bath or shallow dish with pebbles for them to stand on works well. Remember to regularly clean and refill the water sources to prevent the growth of algae or bacteria.
Create nesting sites
You can create nesting sites by leaving dead wood or hollow stems in your garden or even by installing a bee hotel. You can make your own, or buy them premade. Place bee hotels in sunny and sheltered location, providing a variety of hole sizes to accommodate different bee species.
Think beyond bees
While bees are important pollinators, other insects like butterflies and moths also play a vital role in pollination. Opt for planting native plant species whenever possible, as they are well-adapted to the local ecosystem and can provide the most suitable resources.
By following these tips, you can help support local ecosystems and create a beautiful garden that’s buzzing with life.
We hope you’ll join us in becoming a wildlife hero!
Check out some of the latest events around the globe in honour of World Animal Day
We hope this World Animal Day motivates you to value and safeguard the diverse range of animals in the world, both big and small.
Best wishes,
World Animal Day HQ