NINETY per cent of flowering plants require animal assistance – bees, wasps and ants do a great job.

There are some 200,000 animal pollinators that include moths, butterflies, and flies. Birds, bats and ants also deserve a mention. The British Beekeepers Association annual survey claims colonies are down by 14.5 per cent and state the main concern for the decline in UK colonies is due to harsher winters (climate change). The humble bee is critical to the survival of many UK plants. To help our bees, hive design is really important.

New technology incorporated in hive design to remove the neonicotinoid pesticides from the worker bee returning to the hives has proved successful. Better insulation in colder weather and ventilation in warmer months is critical to better hive design.

It is widely understood neonicotinoid pesticides inhibit a bee’s ability to forage and learn, and that this in turn affects its ability to communicate with other bees.

I agree with Ms Dawe (OM letter of July 27) that neonicotinoid pesticides are part of the problem. However, cheaper overseas honey has driven many domestic commercial beekeepers out of business. We need a new breed of beekeepers supported by experienced keepers. Central government that will also embrace new hive technology to combat harsher winters and climate change should also be part of the solution. Support a bee, plant a bloom this summer.

Cllr DAVID HENWOOD
City councillor Cowley Ward
Representative Oxford in Bloom