Human factor in bee decline

Garden and greenhouse enthusiasts may have noted the decline in bee populations over the past few years.

However, new research shows that human intervention may be to blame for the issue, rather than some mystery disease.

According to the Department for Food and Rural Affairs, a study from the Countryside Survey Partnership showed that changes made to small patches of land have combined over a period of time to cause the destruction of habitat for bees and other pollinators.

The research revealed that evidence from between 1999 and 2007 showed a fall in the number of wild plant species providing nectar for such insects.

Despite this only happening in small patches of semi-natural habitat, the cumulative effect is one that has been significantly detrimental to bee populations.

Mankind relies on bees and other pollinators to help grow food for sustenance, explained environment secretary Caroline Spelman.

"It is important that we investigate the causes of the decline and take action to address it," she said.

The politician added that Britain has some of the world’s best environmental brains working towards developing our understanding of man’s impact on the Earth.

In other news, the Royal Horticultural Society has announced that it is restructuring to allow growth in the future.