CAN you imagine what the world would look like without bees?
Between 1980 and 2013, the UK has lost 11 species of bee and hoverfly.
According to Sussex Wildlife Trust, most species of the vital pollinators are in decline and have been for a number of decades, due to loss of habitats and a move towards more intensive agriculture using machinery and pesticides.
Bumblebees help to pollinate many of our arable and horticultural crops, and without them there would be little or no crop to harvest.
However, their decline also poses a risk to our countryside.
Shocking photos put together by holiday park company Parkdean Resorts show what UK beauty spots would look like in a world with no bees - including the Seven Sisters cliffs in Sussex.
Before and after photos show a stark contrast in the landscape at the much-loved walking spot.
Without pollinators for plants, brown wilted grass and dismal murky sea water surrounds the grey aged cliffs that were once so brilliantly bright.
Photos also show the contrast at the Eden Project in Cornwall and Snowdonia National Park in Wales.
There are things we can do to help pollinators, including planting bee-friendly flowers and trying to avoid using pesticides, where possible.
Nicky O’Malley, head of corporate partnerships at the RSPB, said: “Many of our bee species are declining globally.
"We can really help them by providing nectar-rich plants for them.
“Plants like crocus and hellebores provide a great source of food for those bees who emerge early in the colder months, while plants like borage and rosemary provide bees with food throughout the summer.
“By making our gardens, balconies and window sills into bee-friendly spots, as well as beautiful places for us, we can really help these important pollinators.”
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