Nature on our doorsteps: Bees after the winter

Over the next month or so, honeybees, queen bumblebees, and solitary bees will be emerging from their winter resting places.

The fat reserves that kept them alive during winter will be almost gone by now, so the first thing they need to do is search for nutrient-rich pollen. Pollen will replace the energy that was used up over winter in keeping them going, and it will get them ready for the breeding season ahead.

However, not many plants bloom in early springtime, so bees may need to fly long distances to find enough of the right type of food.

Weather at this time of the year can also be very changeable, making the arrival of spring feel like a ‘start-stop-start’ situation.

This can be very tricky for bees, and if good weather is delayed for too long, some will not survive long enough to establish new colonies for the year ahead.

Bees will therefore welcome a plentiful supply of pollen and nectar.

Heathers and Crocuses are ideal springtime flowers for emerging bees

They will be particularly glad if they do not have to fly too far to feed, as flying uses up a lot of energy and they do not need to waste whatever energy they have in flying long distances for food.

Studies on pollinating insects undertaken by the National Biodiversity Data Centre (www.biodiversityireland.ie) indicate that in February, March, and April, the flowers that are vital for the survival of early bees are Heathers, Crocuses, Dandelions, Hellebores, Lungwort, the herb Rosemary, and the wild flower Bush Vetch.

The catkins of Willow trees are also very important as they produce a lot of pollen.

Growing these plants in our gardens and parks can therefore help our emerging bees survive until warmer weather arrives, when more flowers come into bloom.