Don’t step on a bee!

There seems to be a ‘day’ for every conceivable occasion and subject, but today is Don’t Step on a Bee Day and is actually very important!

The Horsham Museum garden has become a focal point in the town as an area of tranquillity, and the volunteer gardeners have done a magnificent job creating a wildlife haven.

On a (sadly rare this summer!) hot sunny day the garden is literally buzzing with activity as numerous bees go about their work.

Don’t Step on a Bee Day highlights the vital role these insects play in everyday life.

The main message, from the title, is to watch your step and don’t tread on them as you walk around.

There are other important messages, though.

An amazing 85 per cent of honey is imported, but there are plenty of local beekeepers who sell their wares in shops and garden centres. So support them as they help keep the bee population thriving. Horsham Museum sells local honey so why not try it out?

Consider bees when you are buying plants and seeds for your garden or window boxes. Every bee-friendly flower helps! Also, don’t be in too much hurry to rid your lawn of dandelions and daisies, they are useful for bees and butterflies. How about setting aside a wildflower area?

The UK only has one species of honeybee. However, there are 24 different bumble bees and around 240 species of solitary bees!

Want to know more? The British Beekeepers Association has a wealth of knowledge on its website.

So, when you are looking round the Museum garden, see how many bees you can spot and be careful not to step on one!