Bees – and the weather.
by Chris, 23 July, 2012, 10 comments
Bees are important pollinators, especially for crops like apples. The UK apple market is estimated at some £320 M per annum.
Though current estimates vary, it is pretty much certain that this year’s apple harvest will be down, perhaps only 50% of that of a ‘normal’ year. Though the trees produced blossom in plenty and all looked good for a ‘bumper harvest’ – it then rained and rained.
Because of the weather, there were few bees, bumblebees or other pollinating insects. This has not been a good year for bees (or indeed, bumblebees). Why?
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