With bee populations on the decline it has never been more important for us – as a nation – to come together to help our bee friends survive
With bee populations on the decline it has never been more important for us – as a nation – to come together to help our bee friends survive. One company that is stepping up and taking responsibility for the long-term future of the bees is Beefayre – introducing the great ‘Seeds for Bees’ giveaway of 2017.
Beefayre, as its name suggests, is a company that holds bees very close to its heart. Using wholly natural ingredients to create a stunning collection of home and body care products, this year the company has teamed up with the UK’s leading seed supplier, Mr Fothergills, to offer thousands of free seed packets.
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This year the ‘Seeds for Bees’ featured flower will be the pollinator and bee friendly Snapdragon. Providing a splash of gorgeous colour in any garden, the Snapdragon is a firm favourite amongst bees as it releases four times more fragrance, drawing bees far and wide to its flower.
Sharon Jervis, founder of Beefayre, said: “The simple fact is that bee populations are on the decline. The long-term impact of this on all aspects of life is unimaginable. We are therefore trying to do everything we can to ensure that our nation’s bees have a future. The ‘Seeds for Bees’ giveaway is a simple way for anyone and everyone to get involved. By simply planting and tending to their ‘Seeds for Bees’ Snapdragons, they will be offering a much-needed source of pollen. Whether they are planted on a balcony in the city, or added to a country meadow – this one small act can make a huge difference.”
Getting your hands on a free packet of seed couldn’t be easier. Simply visit www.beefayre.com in March, and complete a short form. Your free packet of seeds will then be sent direct to you ready for planting. Each recipient will also receive a special 20% discount voucher for use on purchases of all Beefayre products.
About Beefayre
The ‘Seeds for Bees’ giveaway is part of Beefayre’s ongoing commitment to helping the plight of the bee within the UK. Each year, the company donates 3% of its profits to bee conservation projects. Beefayre is also dedicated to using natural and wholesome ingredients (free of any petroleum by-products) in its products, ensuring it does not impact on the environment in which it operates.
Handmade in rural England, the current Beefayre portfolio includes beautifully scented candles and room diffusers, bath and body products such as hand creams, lip balms and shower and bath products, and healthcare products such as raw honey and propolis tincture.
Each product in the Beefayre range is also supported by lovingly hand drawn packaging designs. Created by Beefayre founder, Sharon Jervis, the inspiration for which comes from the honey bee and its natural habitat.
Find out more
To find out more about Beefayre and its stunning collection of products , please visit www.beefayre.com. Alternatively, call the team on (01858) 434492.
Pull out box
Bee Friendly: encouraging bees to your garden couldn’t be easier. Follow these simple steps for a rich bee and pollinator ecosystem this summer and beyond.
• Choose a variety of shapes and colours (blue, violet, and purple are the most nectar rich!
• Single-layered petal flowers are easier for our bees to get to rather than double-layered petal-heavy flowers. Further information can be found at www.beefayre.com.
• Investigate seasonal plants so our bees are equipped all year, e.g. Crocus in the waking Spring, Ivy for the winter, and an abundance of flowers in the summer.
• Lavender, native wildflowers and herb gardens are bee-favourites; and it’s always a case of the more the merrier. Borage and comfrey are champagne to bee’s.
• Let’s spoil our hardworking bees because more blue and mauve flowers means more bees!
• Don’t pick those dandelions! Dandelion pollen is very rich in fats, a very important energy source for bees and other pollinators, providing an especially rich source of food early spring.
• Your bees will love you for allowing your garden to grow a little wild! Don’t pull up those ‘weeds’ until you’ve checked the species! Leave an area of your garden to be totally ‘wild’!
• Consider investing in some solitary bee nesting boxes, or make your own! Position on a south facing wall for maximum sun exposure.
• Tree bumblebees may also appreciate a bird nesting box, they won’t take up residence for long!
• Water! Bees get thirsty too. When it warms up a bit, bees will appreciate a bird bath or somewhere where a little rain water can collect. Alternatively fill a bowl with marbles and water so the bees can’t drown!
• Pesticides are foe, not friend! Try and use harm free alternatives instead. Always read the labels on the plant before buying and avoid pesticides.
Consider taking up beekeeping as a hobby! Join the BBKA and attend a local course (courses are held nationwide).
