The National Bee Count

This weekend, on the 17th and 18th of April, the National Bee Count will be held. By counting and documenting bee behaviour, we can have an insight into the welfare of bees in the Netherlands, which is very important! Wild bees are responsible for a significant part of our food industry: 80% of our edible crops, and close to 90% of our wild plants, are dependent on pollination by bees or other insects. To help them pollinate, more information is needed on the number of bees and their pollination locations.

This is where the National Bee Count comes into play. It is a yearly reoccurring event which contributes to the knowledge of bees in the Netherlands. This research is necessary, as half of the 358 species of wild bee in the Netherlands are endangered.

Participating in the National Bee Count could not be easier! This weekend, take 30 minutes to count the bees in your garden, on your balcony, or any other “green” area in your neighbourhood. Even if you don’t know a lot about bees, you can still participate! To prepare yourself, you can already check out the National Bee Count Bee Guide so you can start to differentiate between bee species. You can keep track of the number of bees using the following form telformulier.

What else you can do?

Bees are integral to the biodiversity of a region. Aside from the National Bee Count, there are many other ways to discover and restore biodiversity near you! Everything that you do in your own backyard or on your balcony contributes. Check out the following Biodiversity Guide to see what you can do to turn grey into green!

Don’t Worry, Bee Happy - Gift Recommendation!

Unfortunately, due to Covid, it is still difficult for all of us to visit friends and family these days. It is therefore all the more important to show someone that you care and are thinking of them. Why not give someone you care about a bee-autifull gift to cheer someone up.