Richmond residents have been encouraged to make their gardens bee-friendly, following dramatic falls in UK bee numbers.

The advice was given at Twickenham and Thames Valley Bee-keepers Association, who held an open day this month. Bee number declines are a source of worry as a third of all our food depends on bee pollination. Pesticides, disease and a fall in wild flower numbers due to intensive agriculture are thought to be causes.

Beekeeper Linda Howell gave the following tips: “Don’t use insecticide, especially not on open flowers during the daytime as bees can get poisoned and die.”

Richmond is a good place for bees because the Royal Parks and Kew Gardens provide forage all year round. However, residents can do much to attract bees to their gardens advises Mrs Howell.

“There are certain flowers and trees bees love that flower at different times of the year, like crab apples, fruit trees, geranium and lavender. Don’t concrete over your garden because then you can grow things. Just one tree provides pollen and nectar for a bee.”

Nationally there have been cuts to bee inspectors, who check hives for illnesses, and cuts to research funding says the association.

Beekeeping is a way of helping bees. The association have seen a surge of interest in their courses. It is, however, says membership secretary, Neil Hilbery, hard to find dedicated people.

Dorothy Ludlow, equipment centre worker, agreed. “Until people start the course, they don’t know what’s involved. It’s a lot of work and a lot to learn. You’ve got to learn about diseases, and taking honey off is hard work.”

The rewards are satisfying though, as the honey and beeswax products on sale at the open day testified.

The association will run a beginner’s theory course is starting in October. People can apply online from 1st September at www.twickenham-bees.org.uk.