Researchers need help investigating how bees get a buzz from our balconies.
The University of Sussex’s Buzzing Balconies project has received £4,000 from the Tesco Bags of Help scheme.
Now the team need citizen scientists, prepared to help take part in a simple experiment to help uncover new information about UK pollinating insects and the current threats they face.
Buzzing Balconies are looking for 100 Brighton and Hove families who have access to outside space other than a garden, such as a balcony or courtyard, who would be happy to grow some flowers and strawberries over the summer.
Teaching fellow Dr Claire Harkin said: “This should be a really fun and easy project to do and we’ll provide all the materials, seeds and instructions on how to take part.
“We think it will be ideal for families wanting to get their children involved in learning about nature but having children is certainly not a requirement.”
Participants will be asked to plant a growbag with wildflower seeds and some strawberry plants that will be provided by the project team.
They will be asked to hand-pollinate one of the plants, and leave the other to be pollinated only by their insect visitors.
To sign up to Buzzing Balconies go to www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BuzzingBalconies
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here