As the tiniest warriors “fighting climate change”, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has stressed how bees are a crucial part of our ecosystem.

90% of the United Kingdom’s wild plants depend upon their pollination, according to the WWF.

But, bees are slowly facing extinction, due to threats from increased pesticide use, habitat destruction and climate change.

Honeybee populations, although widely believed to be, are not actually in decline.

UK honeybee colony numbers have increased recently, with the National Bee Unit counting 252,577 in 2023, which increased to 252,647 recorded in 2024.

Over 8,500 beekeepers participated in the 2023 Hive Count.

With 270 different species of bees living in the UK alone, according to Wildlife Trusts, wild bee populations face threats of extinction, not receiving the same “press” that honeybees do.

Michael Abel, 73, a retired university lecturer and beekeeper from Chelmsford, has kept bees for a total of 10 years, and sold bumblebees prior to that for 14 years.

He said: “Insect numbers are declining, including bumblebees, but insect numbers are the concern.”

He added that in efforts to promote bee conservation, there are worries that insects like hoverflies, moths and wasps are often forgotten.

Ajay Barak, 46, a multi-business owner from Cambridge, who relies on bee product, like honey, in his restaurant trade, said: “I think the public having more information is the key.”

“Having conversations, having a dialogue, and making people more aware is the first and foremost step to providing more information about bee conservation.”

If communities are not aware of the threats that wild bees face, they cannot possibly care about them.

The population of honeybees in London has increased quickly over the past decade, with companies installing rooftop hives over the last few years.

But Mr. Abel says this rise has created imbalance in the ecosystem, as there is not enough forage for wild bee populations, like the mason bee, for example.

Mason bees are named for their habit of using mud or other products in constructing their nests, which they make in naturally occurring gaps, like cracks in stones.

Honeybees accounted for 57% of all pollinators recorded, according to a 2023 survey of the City of London, conducted by Pollinating London Together.

The usual stocking rate is between two to seven bee colonies per square kilometre.

Bee stocking rate is the number of honeybee, or bumblebee, colonies placed in a specific area, usually for crop pollination.

But, in London, there’s estimated to be up to 50 colonies per square kilometre.

“A beehive might have between 30,000 to 40,000 honeybees in it, and they’re all out foraging, competing with the bumblebee who has five in its nest,” Mr. Abel added.

The smaller number of bumblebees, in this example, would not be able to compete with the larger colony of honeybees.

“It does negatively impact the population of insects,” Mr. Abel said.

He added that the issue with businesses getting involved in insect conservation is “greenwashing”.

Mr. Barak, having owned multiple successful businesses for many years, added: “In the end, commercial does win.”

“And even though the company may have a great philosophy of looking after the environment, they still have shareholders to answer to.”

Companies may believe they are doing their part for bee conservation, but it is not always beneficial.

“It’s absolute nonsense,” Mr. Abel said.

While wild bee populations must compete for habitat and are facing effects of climate change, the WWF has said that increased use of pesticides further threatens their existence.

Around 75% of global crops rely on pollinators, like wild bees, according to the World Economic Forum, making their decline an economic risk to agricultural productivity.

The economic benefits of pollination to UK crop production is estimated to amount to £500 million annually, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The WWF UK branch is arguing for a transition to nature-friendly farming practices, and a reduction in the use of harmful pesticides to preserve insect populations.

Dr. Benedict Dempsey, 45, the People and Nature Advisor in the WWF UK Science Team from Sussex, said: “Products used need to be effective, but also appropriate.”

“We’re pleased that the government is moving ahead with trying to get rid of neo-nicotinoid pesticides, which are extremely damaging for bees and other insects.”

Neo-nicotinoid pesticides are usually used for seed treatment, but as of December 2024, the UK government has set out a plan to ban the use of these pesticides.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has acknowledged that these pesticides are extremely toxic to pollinators.

They can cause cognitive problems impacting foraging abilities and the productivity of hives, as well as remain in the soil and creating further risks.

Greater competition for forage, declining habitat and the potential dangers of pesticides are all contributing to the decrease in wild bee populations.

But, Mr. Abel discussed local efforts to promote insect conservation, such as the Chelmsford Beekeepers (CBK) hosting a Food and Farming Day at Writtle College every year.

Around 3,000 Essex schoolchildren attend, from 100 different schools in the county.

The CBK also host talks at local schools, nurseries and organise gardening clubs.

“Certainly, when I do a talk, it’s called ‘Bees’ but it’s much wider than that. It’s the importance of insects and how you can help insects in general,” Mr. Abel added.

Buying local product boosts the local economy and reduces transportation emissions.

Mr. Barak said: “Getting involved in bee conservation makes good business sense, especially for restaurants to have that line of raw material coming through.”

But this does not mean a business constructing their own hives.

Mr. Abel said that simple measures, such as constructing a log pile, building a bug hotel, or installing a pond, if feasible, can go a long way for both insects and bees.

“Bees want water, bees drink,” he added.

“Biodiversity is the important thing. Anything that helps bees will help biodiversity, and vice versa.”

Dr Dempsey said: “We are in a biodiversity crisis, and whether its bees or anything else, we can’t carry on like this.”

“I think it’s incredibly important, worrying and urgent, but it’s also incredibly exciting to learn how you can help.”

While honeybees dominate public conversation, it’s important to remember that wild bee populations and other insects face their own set of challenges.

From habitat loss to an increased use in dangerous pesticides, they are fighting for their survival.

Pushing for greater awareness and action means a focus on insect conservation.

Dr Dempsey added: “Especially at this time in history, with all the challenges we’re facing, there’s nothing that’s more important.”