Why bees matter

Bees are pollinators, which means they transfer pollen from one plant to another to fertilise them so they can produce fruits and seeds. This process underpins much of our food system and supports healthy ecosystems. Without bees, food production would be less diverse, less resilient and more costly.

Bees are not the only pollinators. Wasps, moths, butterflies, hoverflies, flies and beetles also play an important role. Together, pollinators provide a service that creates £690 million worth of crops each year in the UK alone. However, many pollinator species, including bees, are under increasing pressure.

Bee populations in the UK, and around the world, are in decline. In the UK alone, 35 bee species face extinction. This is due to disease, habitat loss and the impacts of pesticide use. There are around 70 crops in the UK that depend on or benefit from bee pollination. If bees were lost at scale, it is estimated that it would cost farmers £1.8 billion per year to replace their pollination service. It would be an extremely manual, difficult and expensive task to pollinate without bees.

Protecting bees is essential for the health of our environment, food system and biodiversity. Farming systems that work with nature, including organic and agroecological approaches, can help create safer habitats for bees and other pollinators. Discover more about bees.

Why are bees in danger?

The main pressures on bees are pesticide use, the spread of disease and the loss of suitable habitats. These pressures often act together, making it harder for bees to survive and recover.

Pesticide use

In non-organic farming, pesticides are often applied to crops to kill and control pests.

Some pesticides can harm bees directly or weaken their ability to forage, navigate and reproduce. Even when bees are not killed outright, repeated exposure can reduce colony health and resilience over time. 

Organic standards prohibit the use of most synthetic pesticides, relying instead on natural pest control, crop rotations and healthier soils. This creates safer environments for bees and other pollinators, and reduces the build-up of harmful chemical mixtures in soil and water.

For several years, we have campaigned against the use of neonicotinoid pesticides – chemicals known to pose serious risks to bees and other pollinators. After half a decade of so-called emergency authorisations, we welcomed the UK Government’s decision in 2025 to uphold the ban on the emergency use of the neonicotinoid Cruiser SB, following sustained public pressure and scientific evidence. Together with our supporters, we have helped secure real change to protect bees and pollinators.

Habitat loss

Bees depend on a large range of flowering plants for food throughout the year. The loss of hedgerows, wildflower meadows and diverse farmland means bees often struggle to find enough nectar and pollen, especially outside peak flowering seasons.

Together, these pressures make it harder for bees to survive and recover, particularly in landscapes shaped by intensive farming and development.

How does nature-friendly farming protect bees?

Nature-friendly farming protects bees by working with nature rather than relying on chemical inputs. By reducing pesticide use and creating richer, more diverse habitats, nature-friendly farms provide safer places for bees to feed, nest and thrive.

Studies suggest that organic farms support significantly more wild bees than non-organic farms, in some cases around 75% more (Kennedy et al., 2013).

Less exposure to toxic chemicals

Organic farming uses virtually no synthetic pesticides. Instead, organic farmers manage pests through natural methods such as crop rotations.

Organic standards allow just 20 pesticides, compared with around 400 allowed in non-organic farming. These are derived from natural substances, such as plant oils, and can only be used in tightly restricted circumstances. This significantly reduces bees’ exposure to harmful chemicals and lowers the risk of cumulative or cocktail effects, when pesticides become more dangerous when combined.

Protection of bees natural habitat

Bees need access to a wide variety of flowering plants across the seasons. Organic farming supports this by prioritising biodiversity and protecting habitats within and around farmland.

Hedgerows, ponds, wildflower margins and woodland are all integral to organic systems. These features provide bees with food, shelter and nesting sites, while also supporting the wider health of the farm ecosystem.

How can you protect bees?

You don’t need to be a farmer to help bees. Small changes at home and in how you shop can make a real difference. Start with 1 or 2 actions that feel realistic for you.

Create a bee-friendly garden

Planting a variety of bee-friendly plants will provide plenty of food for bees. Bee-friendly plants include the common poppy, evergreen clematis, foxgloves, nasturtium and teasel.

Plant herbs

Herbs are also a great source of food. Bee-friendly herbs include bronze fennel, green coriander seed, chives, lemon thyme and basil.

Avoid using pesticides

When buying plants, ask whether they’ve been pre-treated with pesticides, and choose alternatives where possible. Avoid using insecticides in your garden. Learn more about the benefits for wildlife.

Support organic farmers and food producers

On average, organic farms have 30% more biodiversity. Look for the Soil Association organic symbol on your weekly shop and choose bee-friendly food.

Save Our Bees

Help protect pollinators from harmful pesticides, support nature-friendly farming and push for stronger protections for bees.