Dr. Adam Bates, a researcher from the University of Birmingham, discussed his work monitoring the populations of solitary and other species of bees on urban green spaces. He has been putting up bee hotels on various allotment sites in Birmingham and checking just which bees took up residence. He had several samples to show us and it was fascinating to hear and see the diverse ways bees set about nesting and laying their eggs. I particularly enjoyed the story of the “sleepy” bee which settles itself in a buttercup flower in the evening, before the flower closes, and then sets off about its business the next morning when the flower reopens. There are even species of “cuckoo bee” which lay their eggs in other bees’ nests and get them to raise their offspring. If the Association is in agreement, we may even take part in Adam’s research by playing host to a couple of Adam’s bee hotels at Court Lane Allotments. If you are interested to learn more about reporting sightings of bees and other creatures, go to ispot.org.uk
Jim Hickman from Sutton Coldfield and North Birmingham Beekeepers also answered questions about having beehives on allotments. Birmingham City Council appears to be supportive of this, provided stringent criteria are met regarding the siting and care of the hives and appropriate insurance is in place. This could be a possible venture for Court Lane Allotments. As some of our plotholders are beekeepers, it’s certainly worth considering.
We are really looking forward to having the bees on the allotment site.We will have to make sure that we grow enough flowering plants for them.