Long horned bee Eucera longicornis

The Bee Cause Help save bees

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What is the Bee Cause?

Britain’s bees are in trouble. 35 UK bees species are under threat of extinction, and all species face serious threats. Right now, they need us almost as much as we need them.

The decline in bees' diversity and abundance would have a serious impact on how our natural world functions. This includes our food crops. Bees pollinate much of the food that makes our diets healthy and tasty – from the apple in our lunchbox, to the tomatoes on our pizza. 

We launched the Bee Cause in 2012 to reverse bee decline in the UK, and we've helped bees so much already thanks to you.

But bees aren't safe yet - so please join us and give bees a brighter future.

Easy ways to help bees

EU bans bee-harming neonics

Fantastic news for bees! The European Commission has voted in favour of a ban on bee-harming neonicotinoids on all outdoor crops.

Friends of the Earth has campaigned for a neonics ban for a number of years.

The UK and Europe listened to the public and overwhelming scientific evidence on the harm bees and other pollinators face from neonics.

But there's still work to do till bees are safe. The government must do more to help farmers adopt pollinator-friendly ways of farming. You can make a difference too - help experts learn more about British bees, and join our big bee survey.

Bee facts and figures

120
How many times more efficient the Red mason bee is at pollinating apple trees, compared to a Honey bee
4
Number of seasons in which different bees
need pollen and nectar
97
% of flower-rich meadows which
have been lost since the 1930s
£1.8 billion
How much it would cost UK farmers to pollinate
their crops without bees
3,000
The crop area, measured in football pitches,
of Europe's biggest field trial, which showed
neonicotinoids harm bees
Find out more

What's causing bee decline?

Bees, especially wild solitary bees and bumblebees, are in serious decline in the UK and globally. In the UK, we have already lost around 13 species and another 35 are currently at risk.

The biggest single cause of bee decline is the intensification of farming. This is compounded by the increased use of pesticides, especially neonicotinoids, which is having a devastating impact on wild bees.

Learn more about the threats facing bees, including habitat loss, climate change, pesticides, pests and disease, and invasive species.

The facts about bee decline

Ask your council to protect pollinators

Wouldn't it be fantastic if your neighbourhood was full of flourishing green spaces, for both you and pollinators to enjoy?

Councils can play an important role in habitat protection, restoration and creation.

If you work for a council and want to adopt pollinator-friendly measures, or you want to inspire your council to take action we have plenty of resources available.

Food, farming and the environment

Our bees, birds and butterflies are struggling in a countryside dominated by intensive farming with high use of pesticides and habitat loss being key threats.

Farmers across the UK are already working hard to protect pollinators but there is still more to be done.

As the Government consults on The future of food, farming and the environment in a Green Brexit, Friends of the Earth is asking for a clear and ambitious plan to cut pesticide use. And we are consulting with farmers to find out the best way for the Government to support them in adopting more sustainable ways to control pests. Because we believe farmers want to help nature too.

Sign the petition

Easy ways to help bees

Easy ways to help bees
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