The Action Plan to Save Ireland’s Bees

Ireland’s shrinking bee population is receiving a helping hand from the National Biodiversity Plan, an initiative designed to protect the pollination stations that keep the insects fed. Of the 98 bee species that exist in Ireland, one third are currently endangered due to mass starvation.
The plan is shared by more than sixty-eight governmental and non-governmental bodies across Europe. Dr. Úna Fitzpatrick of the National Biodiversity Data Centre, who lead the plan-steering group, told the Irish Independent that even making small gardening changes can go far in rescuing Ireland’s bees. “If you’re a pollinator, finding enough food is the biggest challenge you have to face,” she said. “Gardens can play a crucial role by acting as pit stops for busy bees as they try to move around the landscape.” ♦