A DROP in bee numbers, and the impact this can have on the wider environment, has inspired a group of west Cornwall people to give the creatures a helping hand.
The local Friends of the Earth members have launched three 'bee worlds' across Penwith, planting packs of wildflower seeds to help the bee population thrive.
West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly MP Andrew George showed his support for the cause by joining members of the John Daniel Centre at Heamoor, home to the new Penzance Bee World, which was sown by members of Penzance Community Flora Group.
Sites have also been set up near St Just and St Buryan.
"Friends of the Earth started out aiming to have 60 Bee Worlds around the country and we have three in our little bit of it," said Heather Williams, one of the west Cornwall group's co-ordinators.
"We just provided the seeds; these projects have done all the hard work preparing the soil and getting these plots planted up, and they will be keeping an eye on them – and the bees – from now on."
Friends of the Earth has also launched a Bee Cause campaign, calling on the prime minister to help people reduce their use of chemicals that harm bees, protect all 267 British bee species and ensure they have enough flowers to feed on and places to nest.
For more information visit www.foe.co.uk
