London's bees need you!

This summer, Capital Growth - in partnership with the Mayor of London, the London Food Board and LIDA, part of M&C Saatchi - is launching a new campaign to raise awareness of the plight of bees in London and what you can do to help.

In the winter of 2009/10, Britain lost a third of its bee colonies. Bees are a vital part of Britain’s ecology, and are directly responsible for pollinating at least 30% of the food crops we eat. They are also an important indicator of our ecosystem’s overall health.

There are many reasons for the decline of bees.  What is clear however is that large, urban centres are becoming havens for bee populations. They provide a milder climate and a wider range of food than the countryside. London has a key part to play in the future survival of Britain’s bee populations and with more Londoners than ever choosing to grow their own food, bees are more important than ever.

Since its launch, Capital Growth has created over a thousand new community food-growing spaces in London. Many of these food crops need bees for pollination. That’s why, this summer, Capital Growth is running a Capital Bee campaign to encourage Londoners to become bee friendly.

Capital Growth has already awarded training and bee hives to 50 London community groups. Now we are asking all Londoners to make a pledge to back the London bee.

For more information go to: www.capitalgrowth.org/bees