I know I’m not the only person to notice the rapid decline in bee numbers in recent years, but this year their absence seems especially noticeable. I therefore like to photograph these amazing and fascinating little insects whenever I see them.
I hope you all enjoy this brief close-up of these beautiful and essential little creatures.
The government’s very unpopular decision, in January 2024, to once again authorise the use of the pesticide, Thiamethoxam, on sugar beet may have been a major contributor to the rapid decline in bee numbers, and insects generally.
Thiamethoxam has been banned in the UK since 2018, although approved for use on sugar beet crops in England. The approval was given despite an industry commitment to end reliance on Thiamethoxam by 2023.
Just a minute trace of the poison can affect a bee’s ability to navigate and reproduce, significantly reducing its chance of survival.
Many food crops in the UK are pollinated by bees and insects, but sadly the government do not appear to have got the most important message – no bees, no food, NO HUMANS!!
All Photographs copyright Ann Ritchie
