How can I get involved?
By working together, we can help create a network of bee friendly places across Stoke-on-Trent.
Bee Friendly City: Top 3 things you can do
1. Create a pollinator pitstop
A pollinator pitstop is a place where bees and other pollinating insects can stop to refuel. Nectar-rich flowers provide bees with the energy they need to keep flying, while pollen is an important source of food for themselves and baby bees.
A variety of insects will visit the pollinator pitstops and improved habitat areas, including butterflies, moths and hoverflies. Boosting the insect population will help other wildlife such as birds and bats, who feed on insects.
What to do: Plant a few nectar-rich flowers in your garden, balcony, window box or community space so bees have food from spring through to autumn. You could add a few bee-friendly blooms to a garden border or plant pot on a balcony or patio. If you want to ‘go big’ you could make a mini wildflower meadow in your garden, school grounds or community space.
What should I plant? It may surprise you, but many traditional bedding plants are poor for bees. Cultivars like petunias, begonias, and double-flowered varieties often produce little to no nectar. Try planting herbs like lavender, rosemary, mint or marjoram – they’re great for bees. For a full list of bee-friendly blooms, including trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals, see RHS Plants for Pollinators / RHS
2. Let it grow wild
Leave part of your lawn or green space to grow wild – even a small patch will help. Cut it back in autumn and remove the clippings. This helps reduce soil fertility, creating better conditions for wildflowers to grow.
This simple change can turn ordinary grass into a valuable wildlife habitat.
3. Avoid pesticides
Pesticides can harm bees and affect their ability to feed and reproduce. Instead, encourage natural predators and use wildlife-friendly gardening methods.
Read the RSPB’s tips: Pest control in the garden: ditch the chemicals
Tell us what you’re doing to help bees’
We’d love to hear about what you’re doing to help bees – no matter how big or small. Email Climate and Nature Officer Liz Peck at liz.peck@stoke.gov.uk and tell us about your bee friendly activity so we can add it to our map. Photos are very welcome too!
If you have a question about our bee-friendly campaign, or want some advice on your project, email Liz at the address above.
Want to know more about bees?
Check out our 'All About Bees' page which includes information on different types of bees and Frequently Asked Questions too.