A new festival is aiming to raise awareness of the growing problems facing Britain’s bee population.

BeeFest Poundbury is a new event that is looking to help people understand the problems facing British bees and celebrate what they contribute.

In particular, it seeks to address to rapidly declining numbers of bees throughout the country, the factors that are causing to this, and what people can do to help.

Dorchester and Weymouth Beekeepers’ Association will attend the event, and will be available to offer information and give demonstrations of their work.

A spokesman for BeeFest said: “Bees collect about 20kg of pollen every year - that’s one million pollen loads at 20mg per trip.

“We need people to plant more flowers wherever they live – the more flowers, the more food (forage) for the honey bees. Greater food sources enable honey bees to be much stronger in the face of disease.”

This festival is not the only effort aiming to help conserve Britain’s bee population.

Dorset Wildlife Trust is promoting its Get Dorset Buzzing campaign, which aims to encourage people to

include items in their gardens that help pollinators.

Anyone who signs up for this campaign will receive a digital pack with information about how they can improve their gardens accordingly.

A spokesman said: “We have been blown away by your response and enthusiasm

for the campaign.

“It’s done so well, we don’t have any more printed packs!

“But don’t worry, you can still join in the fun and sign up for an online pack.

“Then simply go along to your nearest DWT centre and pick up your free seeds.

“Thank you so much and we can’t wait to see your buzzing and blooming gardens.”

Representatives of the Get Dorset Buzzing campaign will also attend BeeFest.

On its website, BeeFest claims that 97 per cent of wildlife meadows that are suitable for bees have been lost since the 1930s.

Anyone looking for more information about BeeFest can visit beefest.org.uk or email info@beefest.org.uk

The festival will take place on Saturday, June 29 from 12pm to 4pm at the Great Field in Poundbury.