PEOPLE are being urged to take part in Friends of the Earth’s Great British Bee Count as part of National Insect Week, which runs until June 24.
More than 18,000 people have so far taken part in Great British Bee Count and so far have recorded over 290,000 bees.
Using a fun, free and easy-to-use app, the Great British Bee Count enables people to identify and find out more about the UK’s 250+ bee species, and get tips on what they can do to help them - such as creating bee-friendly spaces in their gardens, patios and balconies.
Thousands of verified bee sightings will also contribute towards the UK government’s Pollinator Monitoring Scheme – which is compiling the first comprehensive health check for Britain’s wild bees and other pollinators.
Meanwhile, National Insect Week, organised by the Royal Entomological Society every two years encourages people of all ages to learn more about insects.
Sandra Bell, Friends of the Earth bee campaigner, said: “The Great British Bee Count is a really fun way to find out more about bees and what we can do to help these fabulous insects.
“We’re delighted that so many people have already taken part in this year’s bee count – and there’s still plenty of time to join in.
“Thousands of verified bee sightings will be submitted to the government’s pollinator monitoring scheme.
“Download the free app and get counting.”
The Great British Bee Count is sponsored by Ecotalk, and supported by Buglife, the invertebrate conservation trust.
The free app can be downloaded at greatbritishbeecount.co.uk
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