At Coventry Bees, we are amazed by the incredible ways nature provides solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. One fascinating example is the unique relationship between honey bees and elephants in Sagalla, Kenya surrounding the Tsavo National Park, where these tiny pollinators play a crucial role in reducing human-wildlife conflict.

As we gaze out over the rolling fields of the countryside, we are often met with scenes of lush greenery and open spaces. However, beneath the surface of this picturesque landscape, a silent crisis is unfolding. The rapid loss of biodiversity in the countryside has led to the creation of what many now call 'green deserts'—vast areas devoid of the rich variety of life that once thrived there. These areas, often dominated by monoculture farming, offer little to no habitat for many species of wildlife, particularly the essential pollinators that sustain our ecosystems and food supply. Pollinators—bees, butterflies, moths, birds, and even some mammals—are the unsung heroes of nature. They play a pivotal role in pollinating plants, including a large percentage of the crops that form the backbone of human diets. Without them, the world as we know it would simply not exist. Yet, these creatures are facing unprecedented threats, and their populations are dwindling at an alarming rate.The Rise of 'Green Deserts'The term 'green desert' is a metaphor for the over-farmed, overly manicured landscapes that no longer provide the rich diversity of flora and fauna once common in the countryside. Monoculture farming practices, which prioritize large-scale crops like wheat, maize, and rapeseed, have contributed significantly to the decline of diverse habitats. These practices often use chemicals like pesticides and herbicides, which further harm pollinators and other essential wildlife.In the absence of wildflowers, hedgerows, and varied crops, there is little food or shelter for pollinators. The countryside, once teeming with life, has become a wasteland for these vital species. A landscape once rich in meadows, woodlands, and wetlands now struggles to support a fraction of the biodiversity it once did. The resulting lack of habitat is a major contributor to the alarming declines in pollinator populations.

Supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring healthy ecosystems. Planting in December may seem counterintuitive, but it’s the perfect time to prepare your garden for the spring ahead. Here are some of the best plants, shrubs, and trees to establish during the winter months to create a haven for pollinators.

Small gardens can make a big difference for pollinators, especially in urban and suburban areas around cities and towns. Here’s a quick guide to the best compact plants and how to protect pollinators from pesticide risks.

As the saying goes the greatest threat to the honey bee is the beekeeper. A lack of education can lead to schoolboy errors which can end in catastrophe for colonies owned by keepers who lack sufficient experience and knowledge.

Our project is more than beekeeping to produce honey. As a long-time permaculture enthusiast, I transformed a very small garden into an apiary and also grow food and wildflowers which are beneficial to wild insects and bird life as well as to ourselves. No pesticides or other chemicals are used, only organic fertilisers and methods which do not harm the soil or surrounding environment. A no dig approach is used which studies show is less damaging to the integrity and structure of soil than traditional methods of turning over flower and vegetable beds every year.