Warwickshire is the place to bee

Two Warwickshire towns have proved they've got what it takes to welcome bees into their gardens and parks.

"Bee Friendly Town" status was granted to Warwick and Leamington during World Bee Day on 20 May.

Groups of pollinator proponents in each town played a role in helping secure the recognition from the Bee Friendly Trust, with the areas supported by neighbouring Kenilworth which has held Bee Friendly status since 2022.

Jo Harper from Bee Friendly Leamington said the group visited schools to educate children about why bees mattered to the environment.

Luke Dixon, co-founder and CEO of the Bee Friendly Trust, said the status recognised what was possible when people came together for the good of the environment, with the Warwick group running a petition to reduce pesticide use "and prove that you can actually make a difference".

Ms Harper said: "We've been working hard for a few years and a large part of our work is in education.

"We've been to schools and talked to over 4,000 children about why bees matter and why people shouldn't be scared of bees and really saying how our gardens have become so important for wildlife like bees."

Fern Arnold, Chair of Bee Friendly Kenilworth said: "The UK has lost 97% of its wildflower meadows since the 1930s and if we want to continue to benefit from bees as pollinators we have to do our bit to help them.

"I'm so pleased for [Warwick and Leamington] because I know how much work they have all put in. We are all volunteers, we give our time freely and its great that they can have the acknowledgement."

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