Protecting our pollinators

Bees are some of the most important species on the planet. As pollinators, they play a vital role in supporting ecosystems, agriculture, and the food we eat every day. Yet bee populations are under pressure from habitat loss, climate change, and declining floral diversity. We’re shining a light on the importance of bees and bee diversity; why it matters, how we’re helping and what we can all do to protect these pollinators.

Why Bees Matter

From the flowers in our parks to the food on our plates, bees influence more of our daily lives than many of us realise. Here are a few facts that show why these remarkable pollinators are worth protecting.

1 in every 3

mouthfuls of our food depend on pollinators like bees.*
Around 35

UK bee species currently at threat of extinction, with 13 already extinct.*
97%

of UK flower-rich meadows have been lost since the 1930's.*
More than 250

wild bee species in the UK, all playing a role in pollination.*

What’s all the buzz about?

The benefits of healthy bee populations can be seen across our countryside, towns and cities. Their role as pollinators helps support food production, protects biodiversity and keeps ecosystems thriving, making them an essential part of a healthy natural environment.

Supporting our food supply

Bees play an essential role in producing many of the foods we eat. As they move between flowers collecting nectar and pollen, they pollinate crops including apples, strawberries, tomatoes and beans, helping plants produce fruit and seeds. Without pollinators, many of our favourite foods would become harder to grow.

Protecting biodiversity

Bees don't just support crops, they also help wild plants reproduce. This creates habitats and food sources for countless other species, from insects and birds to mammals. A diverse bee population helps keep ecosystems healthy, resilient and rich in wildlife.

Strengthening healthy environments

Healthy bee populations are a sign of a thriving environment. By pollinating plants across gardens, parks, woodlands and wildflower meadows, bees help landscapes flourish and recover. Supporting bees through habitat creation and biodiversity initiatives benefits nature as a whole and helps create greener, more resilient places for both wildlife and people.

Supporting bees along our route

We’re helping to create spaces where bees can thrive. Along our high-speed rail route, we support around 25 community beehives by providing space for local beekeepers to care for their colonies.

At St. Pancras International, our rooftop hives provide an important urban habitat for pollinators, demonstrating how cities can support biodiversity. The bees from these hives also produce the honey supplied to Fortnum & Mason.

A hive of activity at St. Pancras

This summer, we’ve partnered with Fortnum & Mason to bring a giant interactive beehive installation to the heart of St. Pancras International. The immersive experience celebrates 100 years of Disney Winnie the Pooh while shining a light on the importance of bees, pollination and biodiversity.

Visitors are invited to step inside the hive to explore the fascinating world of bees and the 100 Aker Wood through storytelling and interactive displays.

Discover the hive

How you can help bees

Protecting bees doesn’t have to mean making big changes. Whether you have a garden, a balcony or simply want to make more sustainable choices, there are plenty of ways to support pollinators and help create healthier habitats for them to thrive.

Plant bee-friendly flowers

Choose a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the seasons to provide bees with a continuous source of nectar and pollen. Native wildflowers, lavender, foxgloves and herbs such as rosemary and thyme are all excellent choices for supporting pollinators.

Create space for nature

Leaving a small patch of your garden to grow naturally, planting wildflowers or installing a bee hotel can provide valuable habitats for bees and other insects. Even window boxes and planters can become important feeding stops in urban areas.

Avoid pesticides

Many pesticides can be harmful to bees and other pollinators. Where possible, choose natural alternatives and encourage healthy ecosystems by allowing beneficial insects to thrive alongside your plants.

Support local beekeepers and conservation

Buying local honey, supporting beekeepers and taking part in community conservation projects all help protect bee populations. You can also get involved by supporting organisations working to restore habitats and improve biodiversity across the UK.

*References. The Bee Cause | Friends of Earth. The Wildlife Trusts. WWF. National Trust

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