As we move into September, the air begins to cool and our bees are hard at work preparing their stores for the winter months ahead. It is also Organic September, a month dedicated to celebrating the benefits of organic food and farming for our planet.
To mark the occasion, David and Emma Buckley were invited onto the Sustainable(ish) podcast with Jen Gale, in partnership with Organic UK. Together, they explored the vital relationship between the way we farm and the survival of our most precious pollinators.
Why ‘Organic’ Matters to the Hive
In David’s 80 years with the bees, he’s seen the landscape change drastically. Since the early 1900s, the UK has lost 98% of its natural wildflower meadows. This loss of habitat, combined with the rise of intensive chemical farming, has led to a startling decline: every square kilometre in the UK lost an average of 11 species of bee and hoverfly between 1980 and 2013.
However, there is hope. Research shows that plant, insect and bird life is 50% more abundant on organic farms. By choosing organic, we aren’t just eating healthily; we are voting for a landscape where bees can thrive without the threat of harmful pesticides.
Discussion Highlights:
- The £1.8 Billion Workers: Did you know it would cost UK farmers an estimated £1.8 billion annually to pollinate crops manually if our wild bees disappeared?
- A Century of Change: Comparing the 270,000 active hives in the UK today to the one million we had in 1900.
- The Power of Local: Why David and Emma advocate for local honey over “blended” supermarket varieties to support British biodiversity.
- The ‘Humble’ Bee’s Role: A deep dive into why bees are the cornerstone of our food system.
Top Tips for Your Own Garden
During the episode, David and Emma shared some simple, holistic ways you can help the bees from your own back step:
- Mow Less: Let your lawn flower! Dandelions and clover are a vital early-season food source.
- Hydration Stations: Leave a shallow dish filled with marbles and water so bees can drink without the risk of drowning.
- Plant for the Seasons: Choose bee-friendly seeds that flower at different times of the year.
- Buy Organic: Support the farmers who are looking after the soil and the pollinators.
Listen to the Episode
Whether you are a seasoned beekeeper or someone just looking to make a small difference, this episode is packed with “Sustainable(ish)” advice that anyone can follow.
We are so proud to see Emma and David leading the conversation on pollinator health. If you’re inspired to help reverse the decline of the native honeybee, explore our Sponsorship and Hive Hosting opportunities.