Sowing the seed in the name of the bees

Dunedin is doing its bit for the bees.

A small plot of land on Shore Street has been set aside to grow bee-friendly plants to help feed the bees.

The initiative is a joint project between the Dunedin City Council and the National Beekeepers’ Association of New Zealand to celebrate Bee Aware Month in September.

Wildflower seeds supplied by the Association will be planted later this month when ground conditions are better for sowing.

Deputy Mayor Chris Staynes says, “While planting this small plot is to a degree symbolic, it highlights the need for all of us to be aware of the importance of having a thriving bee population in our city.

“Like many Dunedin residents I like to grow fresh vegetables and fruit; bees are essential if I am going to be successful.”

National Beekeepers’ Association Chief Executive Daniel Paul says bees pollinate one third of the food we eat.

“Life would be a struggle without them so we need to make sure they have food they can eat.”

The Association has encouraged councils throughout the country to dedicate a patch of land somewhere in their community to the bees.

ENDS

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