'Incredible insects': RSPCA shares advice on how you can help our falling bee populations

Bee populations have fallen by around a third in the last 30 years. Credit: RSPCA

Bees are some of the most effective pollinators we have - not just helping plants to grow, but helping crops including broccoli, cabbages and apples to thrive.

But, according to the RSPCA, populations of the insects have reduced by around a third in the last 30 years.

It's prompted the charity to mark World Bee Day this year by highlighting what people can do to help them.

More than 100 hectares - or 4,000 tennis courts - of wildflower habitat are being created in the South Downs National Park to help bees flourish.

The Bee Lines initiative aims to give a helping hand to struggling pollinator populations by creating wildflower havens at farms, community fields, recreation grounds, road verges, schools, and even cemeteries, football and golf clubs.

In the UK, around 13 species of bee have been lost already and another 35 are currently at risk of extinction.

Almost 13% of UK-based bee species are at risk of extinction. Credit: RSPCA

According to the RSPCA's 'Animal Kindness Index', less than half of people (46%) recognise them as sentient beings with the ability to have physical and emotional experiences - be they positive or negative.

But this is something consistently debunked by scientific evidence, which shows that bees exhibit self-awareness, social learning, play behaviour and the ability to solve complex problems.

Rebecca Machin, wildlife expert at the charity, said: "Bees really are incredible insects - they do so much for us and have such a great level of understanding that people take for granted.

"Bees can perform incredibly complex tasks, have fascinating social lives, and are essential pollinators. It's important to make sure we take care of them - and luckily everyone can do their bit to help."

Bees pollinate around 75% of leading global crops. Credit: RSPCA

The RSPCA is highlighting the small acts people can take to help bees - including setting up a small drinking station for them, with the following instructions:

  • Choose a shallow dish or saucer - give it a good wash to make sure there’s nothing that can contaminate the water

  • Fill your container with clean pebbles or small rocks. These give bees and insects safe places to land and take a drink, without falling into the water. If they do slip in, it will also make it easier for them to climb out

  • Find a shady spot for your station near flowers, so pollinators have easy access while they're busy at work

  • Pour a small amount of rainwater into the dish, making sure the top of the pebbles and rocks stay dry for safe landings. If you don't have access to rainwater, use tap water that's been left out for a few days.

  • Check in daily and top up weekly or when needed, and enjoy watching the wildlife you're helping, as well as the flowers they'll help pollinate.

"We know that kind acts, however small, combine to create a more compassionate world," Ms Machin added.

"For bees, something as simple as planting native flowers, or creating a water station for them could go a long way in improving their welfare, and helping the population to thrive. These things make a real difference."

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