Our members, and Beekeepers in general, have a vested interest in maintaining a healthy environment in which our bees can forage freely and safely.  But we have to do our bit so we:

•  Manage our bees in as natural a way as possible.

•  Use few chemicals, and those we do use have minimal environmental impact.

•  Work with farmers to promote best practice.

Biodiversity is the variety of all life on Earth. This includes all species of animals and plants, and the natural systems that support them.

Biodiversity matters because it supports the vital benefits we get from the natural environment. It contributes to our economy, our health and well being, and it enriches our lives. Biodiversity is in decline across the world because of human activity, with 10-30% of animals threatened with extinction. 10% of all species are thought to be at increasing risk for every 1°C rise in global mean temperature due to climate change. 

This describes methods of ensuring that we can feed ourselves in the years to come by growing enough food in a way that protects the environment and ensure continuous food production.  It will increasingly include energy production and the management of natural resources used in manufacturing goods.  In the UK, food is our biggest manufacturing sector. It employs 3.6

million people in a huge range of businesses, from farms to retail. So what do we need to do?
There are several things we can do:
•  Produce more food in ways that protect and enhance the natural environment.
•  Encourage recycling to conserve our natural resources.
•  Use energy responsibly and develop green energy sources.
So what can Beekeepers do?
Well by ensuring there is an abundant supply of pollinating bees they will help maintain food production and biodiversity.  
Encourage farmers to use field margins and unused land to promote bees and other pollinators by planting native flowers and retaining healthy hedges.
Encourage gardeners to have ‘bee’ friendly gardens full of nectar producing trees, shrubs and flower.
What can we all do?
Simply care for our planet by taking little steps to be more environmentally friendly.

For further details visit the government’s defra site.