It is an idea that has been creating a buzz across the country – a British conservation charity wants people to keep bees on their balconies. Natural England has placed plastic hives on the roof of its London offices, and is encouraging others in the capital to do the same.

The ‘Beehaus’ is a plastic beehive that can be used by amateurs with scant outside space, and has been designed specifically for use on roofs and balconies. The idea is to help build up dwindling bee numbers, a problem that has been concerning conservationists for years.

Director of Natural England, Alison Barnes, said: “What we're aiming to do is encourage poeple to think about bees and pollinators and the benefits they give both for nature and people. We're raising awareness p tjhe decline inbees and pollinating insects and highlighting measures people cna take to counteract this.

Important
Scientists often cite bees as the most important species on the planet, but bee numbers in London have fallen dramatically in recent years. The decline has been attributed to a number of factors, including the emergence of new diseases and changes to habitat. Last year the European honey industry was hit hard by the so-called colony collapse disorder, a phenomenon that saw droves of worker bees simply disappear from hives.

Natural England is encouraging gardeners to grow a wider variety of insect-friendly plants and take part in schemes to boost bumblebee numbers. And it says the Beehaus will help create a new generation of urban bees.

Flowers

Alison Barnes says beekeeping is not the only thing people can do to help: "Bees love flowers and nectar-rich flowers are something that any of us can put in our gardens so if you're able to put lavender or honeysuckle or anything like that in your garden or window box you'll be able to contribute to reversing the problem.

"If you want to keep a hive and you've thought through that carefully and got the right training, from someone like the British Beekeeping Association, then that might be for you. It won't be for everyone of course because you are going to need to look after them and be trained properly."

 
Listen to an interview with Alison Barnes: