What would a world without bees look like?

Bumblebees in the UK are mainly under threat because of changes to the agricultural techniques being used in the countryside.

These practices have left far fewer wildflowers in the landscape which has caused a decline in the bumblebee population, as they struggle to survive.

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust have estimated that we have lost 97 per cent of our flower-rich grassland since the 1930's.

But what would a world without all bees look like?

Clive Joyce has been beekeeping for fifty years and runs the apiary at the National Beekeeping Centre in Warwickshire:

The Cullem’s bumblebee and the Short-haired species which no longer exist in the UK, are not the only ones who have caused concern.

Two species at the moment are under threat, with the great yellow bumblebee and the shrill carder bee, now only present in small numbers.

What are the other downsides of bumblebee species declining?

• Insects are estimated to contribute over £400 million per year to the UK economy

• Without them, pollinating these plants would be extremely costly and could significantly increase the cost of fruit and vegetables

• Bees also pollinate many wildflowers which means they can reproduce

• Again, without them wildflower species would struggle and as these are often a source of food for other animals, the impact on food chains for other species could be severe

Five ways to help bees in your own garden:

• Plant clumps of bee-friendly plants in sunny places as they will be way more attractive to bees

• Double or multi-petaled plants are best avoided as they may lack pollen and/or nectar

• Use pesticides sparingly and do not spray open flowers

• Become a beekeeper

• Provide nest sites for bees by using hollow stems, such as bamboo canes or herbaceous plant stems