We have good bee news! The population in the Trellick Tower bee hotel is buzzing having risen from 15 to over 200 since its erection and Roots and Shoots environment manager, David Perkins, feels cautious optimism on the state of London’s bees.
And it's not just positive for the hive-minded apians. Whilst the mixed weather has vexed us humans, it provided good nesting and feeding conditions for solitary bees, especially with habitats like the Roots and Shoots wildlife garden to nest and find nectar in.
On a smaller scale, we can vouch for the effectiveness of lavender in attracting lone bees to the most fledgling urban green spot, like the Londonist Towers balcony and we'd like to think that a rise in imaginative urban gardening recently is helping too.
Which is good because bees are important.
So celebrate and find out more at the London Honey Festival, a free public event that bigging up local honey and capital beekeepers. Roots and Shoots will be hoping to retain their 2010 title for London’s best tasting honey award but they'll be up against stiff and sticky competition as London now has over 2,500 beehives. There will also be lots of information about bees and how to keep them, and attract them to your garden as well as 'honey massages' and making activities for busy little bees.
The London Honey Festival is being held at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank on 21st August 2011 from 1-5pm in the Clore Ballroom.
Can't wait? Visit Roots and Shoots in Kennington or the Hive Honey Shop in Clapham.
