Bees' Needs Week

The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) is proud to support Bees’ Needs Week, running from 13th - 19th July, as part of Wild Again: Restoring England’s Wildlife – the government’s campaign to help recover native species and habitats across the country.

Bees and other pollinating insects are essential to the health of the environment and play a crucial role in food production. Their decline threatens biodiversity, crop yields and the resilience of our natural world.

“Every beekeeper knows how vital pollinators are – but Bees’ Needs Week reminds us that every gardener, every school, every community group can make a difference,” said BBKA Chair Clare McGettigan. “Protecting pollinators is a shared responsibility, and small changes add up.”

“We are facing unprecedented pressure from invasive species. The yellow‑legged Asian hornet represents a real and immediate threat to UK pollinators. We are asking the public to stay alert for yellow‑legged Asian hornets and report any suspected sightings through the Asian Hornet Watch app. Early reporting is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect our bees and the ecosystems that depend on them,” added Clare McGettigan.

Bees’ Needs Week highlights the importance of pollinators and showcases simple, practical actions that everyone can take to help them thrive. Communities are also encouraged to run their own activities, from bug hunts and insect counts to wildflower planting, making bug hotels or hosting local gardening sessions.

Bees’ Needs Week promotes five simple actions everyone can take to support pollinators: