Native species of British bee are in danger of extinction in UK cities because of a shortage of nectar and pollen contributing to a sharp decline in the 300 species of pollinators. Research, commissioned by The British Bee Charity and Netflix, shows many people have already noticed massive declines in bee populations, with experts believing that as many as 17 native species are now extinct with more at risk.
The pollen shortage could be blamed at the growing number of enthusiasts now keeping hives, so the British Bee charity is asking the public to consider their local environment before becoming beekeepers. The charity has now teamed up with Netflix to commission life-sized wildflower-filled ‘Growin Atkinson’ sculptures to celebrate the launch of the new Rowan Atkinson Netflix series, 'Man vs Bee'.
The trio of comical, ‘bee-edible’ sculptures, launched on the grounds of London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, depict Rowan's first new TV comedy creation in nearly a decade and have been designed to offer a natural and sustainable food source for native British bees.
Filled with sustainable bee-friendly foodstuffs catering to all species of native pollinators, each sculpture has been packed with plants ranging from helianthus to petunia and shares a wacky likeness to Rowan's starring role as Trevor in the new Netflix series. Landing globally on Netflix on Frdiay, the nine-episode series follows hapless house sitter Trevor as he attempts to take care of a luxury mansion before chaos ensues after being invaded by a mischievous bee.
The actor said: "My alter ego, Trevor, may go to battle with a bee, but personally I’m pleased to have these eccentric statues help raise awareness of the plight of native British bees in this country. Packed with pollen, nectar and flowering plants to help raise a smile, make people consider the environment and create something of a bee buffet in an effort to help them survive the summer."
Greg Bool, from The British Bee Charity, added: "For the most part, people know that honey comes from bees, but few realise there are over 250 species of bumble bees and solitary bees in the UK. With so many people now aware that "bees need help" there's been an upsurge in the number of honeybee hives in the UK when perhaps we should be educating people on providing more pollen-rich flowers and plants for hungry bees and pollinators.
"This is why we have partnered with Netflix to create a series of bee-friendly edible flower planters in British national treasure Rowan Atkinson's likeness - to mark the launch of Man vs Bee, whilst raising awareness of how to support the plight of native species of British bees and pollinators at the same time."
The British Bee Charity, supported by Netflix, is encouraging people to take positive action this summer and asking the public to plant as many as 4,000 additional square metres of wildflowers across the capital through the giveaway of wild-flower seeds.
Alongside the provision of “BeeBombs for Schools” and “Bees for Schools” educational initiatives, all free of charge via The British Bee Charity’s website. For more information, go to britishbeecharity.com
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