Newport in drive to boost bee population

Newport City Council have started a drive to increase the bee population in the city.

They have teamed up with a number of organisations including Friends of the Earth to form the Bee Friendly Newport group.

It’s part of an initiative set up by the Welsh Government to encourage communities to help the bee population.

Bee populations have been dwindling across the UK.

They have been thriving in areas of Newport such as the Allt yr Yn Local Nature Reserve, but the group is trying to provide more habitats for the pollinators.

The council have said they will allow grass to grow longer in parts of the city they manage, for example around playing fields, in parks, on road verges or along the canal.

Meanwhile the Woodlander’s community group have planted an orchard to provide more food for Newport’s bees.

Bees naturally feed on the flowers made by long grasses and wildflowers such as those found in meadows.

The group is also discouraging the use of pesticides and herbicides which can harm bees, whilst also encouraging people to allow long grass to grow in their gardens.

Events are also planned for June to help people understand the importance of bees in the production of food.