Blessington Tidy Towns have worked closely with the Irish Bee Conservation Project https://www.ibcp.ie/about/ . We have installed several Bee Boxes in quiet locations in Blessington. We have also planted pollinator plants nearby so our friends the Native Irish Bees have plenty of food. Stay tuned for more updates on our social media. The native Irish bees decline poses a significant threat to Ireland’s ecological health and agricultural productivity, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts.
Ireland’s native wild bees, comprising a diverse community of approximately 100 species, are unsung heroes in the country’s ecological tapestry and agricultural landscape. Far beyond their farmed honey-producing counterparts, these wild bees are essential pollinators, playing a pivotal role in the reproduction of a wide array of wild plants. This not only sustains biodiversity and maintains the delicate balance of natural habitats but also underpins the functioning of ecosystems across Ireland.
Additionally, these industrious insects provide invaluable pollination services for many crops, contributing significantly to food production and bolstering the agricultural sector. Their diverse nesting habits, ranging from underground burrows to cavities in wood or stone, and their varied foraging behaviours, including specialisation on particular flowers, make them more efficient pollinators in a broader range of environments compared to the managed honey bee.
However, the decline of wild bee populations, attributed to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change, poses a serious threat to Ireland’s ecological health and agricultural productivity. Recognising their critical importance, conservation efforts aimed at protecting and restoring wild bee habitats are crucial for ensuring the sustainability of Ireland’s natural heritage and food security.