Sussex research shows how gardens can help bees in August

Sussex bee study finds one simple way gardens can help during the late-summer food squeeze

University of Sussex research found honeybees have their toughest nectar-foraging period in late July and August, suggesting late-flowering plants and fewer mown weeds can help.

A honeybee feeding on a late-summer flower Image: University of SussexOriginal source

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Gardeners looking for a small way to help pollinators have been given unusually practical advice by University of Sussex : late summer is when bees may need your untidiness most.

A of honeybees in Brighton and Edinburgh found nectar foraging was hardest in late July and August, when fewer flowers are available and more pollinators are competing for them.

The researchers observed 1,217 honeybees and measured nectar from 1,426 flowers across the season. They found similar patterns in the two cities despite them being hundreds of miles apart.

The response is refreshingly achievable: plant more late-flowering species, mow less aggressively and tolerate plants such as thistle, ragwort and knapweed for longer. Sometimes policy really can begin with deciding not to attack a weed this weekend.