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In 2020, as part of their ‘Plan Bee’ initiative, Douglas City Council selected 20 spaces around the City where grass verges were left uncut throughout the summer and wildflower beds were planted in a bid to help the Island’s pollinator population thrive, including bees.  

Did you know that the Isle of Man’s bee population hold a disease free status?
This means that our bees don’t carry Varroa, a type of mite that attacks and feeds on the honey bee, Apis mellifera (Western honey bee) and Apis cerana (Eastern honey bee) [1]. To keep our bees safe, the Isle of Man Government prohibits the importation of bees in any stage of their life cycle, used hives, skeps or any receptacle used to house bees. [2]

Bees and insect pollinators play an important role in preserving the Island’s biodiversity. This is because they contribute to the resilience of natural systems and help to maintain the balance of the earth's biogeochemical cycles. [3] The loss of biodiversity is a major concern for conservationists and ecologists. Disappearing habitats and use of pesticides are driving the decline of many pollinator species and ecosystems around the world. In fact, bees, butterflies, wasps, beetles, bats and flies distribute pollen, vital for the reproduction of over 75% of the world’s food, crops and flowering plants – including coffee, rapeseed and most fruits. [4] 

Until recently, the Council also provided support for the island’s bees and insect pollinators by encouraging ratepayers to participate in ‘Douglas in Bloom’, which provided an opportunity for all gardeners, whether they had rolling acres or just a window box, to show case their horticultural talents.  The scheme won’t run in 2023 as the Council is looking at a new scheme that will encourage even greater biodiversity in schools, gardens and open spaces.

In the summer they will also celebrate through their annual Bee Day held in Regent Street on 27 July 2023, 11.00am – 4.00pm, where the Council will be joined by local bee, insect and wildlife enthusiasts and experts.

Follow in the footsteps of Douglas City Council and help the Island’s pollinators thrive! Promote biodiversity and a habitat for bees, insects, and other wildlife.  Consider cutting your grass less frequently to help wildflowers and other plants grow. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, and consider planting native wildflowers, trees, shrubs and grasses to enhance the biodiversity of your garden provide food, habitat and shelter for pollinators, mammals and other wildlife. Even the addition of a bird bath or container of water, or the messier log piles and compost heaps can be a great boost for biodiversity and make each garden unique.

Topics

  • Climate change
  • Biodiversity
  • Flowers