Supporting local pollinators through bee-friendly gardening helps maintain biodiversity and strengthens ecosystems. By planting native wildflowers and creating habitats, gardeners provide essential food and shelter for bees. These efforts contribute to healthier gardens and a more balanced environment, benefiting both pollinators and people.

Top Plants to Attract Bees in Great Britain

Red Clover – Rich in nectar, favoured by bumblebees and honeybees alike.

Common Knapweed – Supports a wide range of bee species with its abundant pollen.

Oxeye Daisy – A native wildflower that blooms through summer, attracting solitary bees.

Hawthorn – Early flowering shrub providing vital pollen in spring.

Heather – Thrives in acidic soils, offering nectar for late summer bees.

Wild Thyme – Low-growing herb that attracts bees with its strong scent and flowers.

Foxglove – Tall spikes with tubular flowers perfect for long-tongued bees.

Borage – Continuous bloom throughout summer, excellent for honey production.

Lavender – Fragrant and hardy, a magnet for many bee species in gardens.

Simple steps to design outdoor spaces that support local pollinators and boost biodiversity.

Select a variety of native wildflowers and shrubs that bloom at different times to provide continuous nectar and pollen throughout the seasons.

Incorporate natural shelters like log piles and leave patches of bare soil for nesting. Add shallow water sources with stones for safe bee access.