Bees are extremely important in (agro)ecosystems for the pollination of crops and wild plants. When people hear the word 'bees', many people think of the ingenious honey bee, which, in addition to producing honey, can also be used as a pollinator in, for example, fruit cultivation or in seed production. Therefor bees are a highly important contributor to a healthy and sustainable ecosystem in the Potmarge area. Unfortunately, half of all bee species are on the red list and considered endangered, also in Friesland. To protect the bees and other pollinating insects, there are multiple programs in place in the area:
Silence of the bees
'Silence of the Bees' aims to make as many people as possible aware of this worrying development and is therefore part of the LF2018 programme. Their mission; to turn the tide for the bees! With art, music, technology, enthusiasm and active support! To read more about their projects go to their website.
The bee health department and research from Van Hall Larenstein
The bee health lectorate of Van Hall Larenstein is committed to the well being of all bees and in general towards a healthier insect landscape. By researching and teaching about the importance of pollinating insects they majorly contribute to an improved ecosystem in the Potmarge area.
Their two main goals include; the professionalization and innovation of beekeeping and the improvement of the habitat for all bee species, in particular by promoting gestation plants and by promoting bee-friendly green management. To read more about their research and projects go to the website.
How can you help the bees?
Build a bee hotel!
You can also simply imitate nature yourself by building a bee hotel! You can design your bee hotel in different ways. Old stems made of reed, bamboo, elderberry, blackberry, wood, stone and clay are suitable for filling the hotel. Make sure there is protection from the rain. You can find countless ideas for designing your bee hotel on the internet. It is also important that there is enough food available near the hotel. Therefore, make sure that the bees can find enough flowers and other native flowering plants in the area. For more tips and tricks on how to help the bees visit the website
