Borough council takes action to boost bee population (From Watford Observer)

Hertsmere Borough Council fund new hives for Field Nature Reserve, to help boost bee population

12:48pm Monday 7th January 2013 in News By Mike Wright, Chief Reporter

Two hives are due to be installed in a Bushey nature reserve in a bid to help boost Britain’s declining bee population.

Hertsmere Borough Council is funding the initiative on Fishers Field Nature Reserve and is also paying for bee keeping equipment along with the hives.

The Friends of Fishers Field group, which is leading the project, hope the hives will be up and running in time for the swarming season this spring.

Betty McBean, secretary of the friends group said: "The installation of the beehives is a development of the philosophy behind the nature reserve.

"It is particularly important, as bees are under threat at the present time, and we will be helping them to thrive.

"It will enable people to learn the value of bees in the environment. The site will be protected but residents will be able to view it safely, and watch the progress of the bees."

Fishers Field Nature Reserve is a two-hectare former allotments site, which is a haven for wildlife.

Since it was created 14 years ago, more than 500 trees have been planted on the site and a pond has been created there.