Last year 20% of bee colonies did not survive the winter, this year it may be much worse. However some Brighton allotment sites are still saying B... off.

The Plan Bee Campaign

Last year the Co-operative initiated a campaign called Plan Bee, which begs the question on why the government does not have a Plan A. They say that no-one knows for certain what is causing bee losses. Explanations include: bad weather, pesticides, importing of non native bee species, viruses and a mite called Varroa.

The Co-op campaign includes a petition calling on the Government to review the effects of pesticides on bees, and also takes its own action on pesticides by creating a research fund and inspiring people to help bees in their gardens.

The Global Campaign

Another petition is also being organised worldwide by Avaaz. Already half a million people have signed and it wants to reach a million this week.

It argues that silently, billions of bees are dying off and our entire food chain is in danger. Bees don't just make honey - they are a giant, humble workforce, pollinating 90% of the plants we grow. Avaaz is more focused than the Co-op and calls for the immediate ban on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides until and unless new independent scientific studies prove they are safe

Health or Safety

On some Brighton allotments site there is concern for health and safety leading to restrictions on beehives. Of course the allotments would be desolate if there were no bees. Apples, pears and plums would bee off all allotments and there would bee no blackberries, blueberries, broccoli or brussel sprouts .

Presumably the bee hives are hiding clandestinely or bees have become illegal migrant workers from neighbouring gardens. Let’s not worry about health and safety for them.

The Pesticide Action Network is a advisory and campaigning network supporting organic gardening. It shares information on the use of pesticides and the dangers inherent in a cocktail of chemicals , some of which are individually deemed “safe” over a short period of trial. Many concoctions are collectively untested by time, as man ignores the great strengths of natural evolution and "knows better".

On Sunday, February 6, at Seedy Sunday at Hove Town Hall PAN and Plan Bee will both be saying what Brighton must do if we are not all to B... off for ever. They will present a powerful case for organic gardening (see also the Brighton and Hove Organic Gardening Group) and for curbing chemical companies. At our peril do we say B...off

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