The Bee Wild project, led by OrganicLea and supported by £79,500 of National Lottery funding, will create a habitat haven for pollinators and create a buzz about bees and their needs.

Bee Wild

[quote= Clare Joy, OrganicLea] "We are delighted to be starting this important project to protect pollinator habitats, and grateful to the National Lottery players who have made it possible.” [/quote]

Beehives, ponds and bug hotels will be established at Hawkwood Nursery in Waltham Forest. Improvements to flower meadows and deadwood habitats, as well as a green corridor linking with Epping Forest, will also help the site become more attractive to pollinators.

100 volunteers will get involved in everything from beekeeping to meadow maintenance and gain some invaluable skills in the process.

Thousands of people in Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Waltham Forest and beyond will have plenty of opportunities to get involved. There will be open days, workshops and guided tours throughout the two-year project and there will be chances to pick up seeds for nectar-rich plants and identification kits to keep track of pollinators.

Clare Joy from OrganicLea said: “We are delighted to be starting this important project to protect pollinator habitats, and grateful to the National Lottery players who have made it possible”.

Take action for bees’ needs

You can help bees wherever you are. Here are five simple actions:

• Grow more flowers, shrubs and trees
• Let your garden grow wild
• Cut your grass less often
• Don’t disturb insect nest and hibernation spots
• Think carefully about whether to use pesticides.

Create a buzz

Keep an eye on Organiclea’s website to see how you can get involved.

Did you know its Bees Needs Week (9 to 15 July)? The annual event led by Defra is this year in Carnaby Street, which has been transformed into ‘Carnabee’ Street buzzing with activities.

Help spread the word about the Bee Wild project, Bees Needs Week and top tips for bees on social media using #BeesNeeds and #NationalLottery.