One of the most familiar sounds on a summer’s day has to be the gentle background hum of bees flying about our gardens, making the most of what is on offer. They are a well-loved garden visitor and one that we have perhaps taken for granted considering the crucial role they play in pollination.

Bees are a type of flying insect and we have 25 species in the UK. Species such as the bumblebee are more common and can be seen buzzing about our gardens, whilst rarer varieties, such as the Great Yellow Bumblebee, are only found on the North coast and some Scottish islands.

Our landscape would look very different without them

Bees are of great importance for the pollination of many of the foods and crops we rely on. Without them, our landscape would look very different and our diet would be too. Many plants we eat, such as apples, rely on insect pollination to re-produce. Pollinators, such as bees, transfer pollen and seeds from one flower to another, which fertilises the plant so it can grow and produce food.

Unfortunately bees are in decline. They are facing a number of challenges including insecticides, climate change and the ever increasing urbanisation of our landscape. As we turn the green landscape grey, bees face travelling further distances to find the plants they need.

All is not lost though, as small changes at home can help these garden friends fight back. The insects need bee-friendly plants and by having these in your garden, be it in a border or a pot, you can help. Choose plants marked as bee friendly when visiting the garden centre and if you have a gravel or tarmac front garden/driveway, consider adding a couple of pots out front – the loss of our front gardens to car parking has taken its toll on pollinators.

Another thing you can do is allow a part of your lawn to grow wild. If grass is left un-mown it’s likely plants such as clover will grow, which are great for bees. A wild area will also benefit many other insects as well. Leaving a patch of lawn can be a challenge, as we often prefer neatly trimmed grass, but if you can give up even a small patch you may well be surprised at what appears! If you have children, a summer holiday activity could be to mark out a square and get them to identify what plants and creatures appear as it grows wild.

Our bees are in grave danger and need our help

Finally, get involved with wider research. The Great British Bee Count takes place every year and offers valuable information about the state of our bee populations. This summer ‘Polli:nation’ are encouraging schools and families to get involved counting pollinators in their local area. Just visit their website at www.polli-nation.co.uk.

There is no doubt that our bees are in grave danger and need our help. Any little change you can make can contribute to ensuring that familiar summer buzzing sound remains part of our gardens for years to come.