Tonbridge Daily Photo

Tonbridge Daily Photo #289 - A Tonbridge Bee

'Bees are in serious trouble. Their numbers have fallen dramatically in recent years, affected by disease, chemicals and habitat loss. Since 1900, the UK has lost 20 species of bee. A further 35 bee species are considered to be under threat of extinction.' (Friends of the Earth)

I managed to get a close up photo of this bee in a Tonbridge garden and didn't even get stung. If you look carefully at the wings you can see all the minute details and patterns, and the bee does look rather soft and fluffy even though it has the ability to give a very painful sting. I'm quite proud of this shot.

Recently a new Tonbridge and Malling Friends of the Earth Group was formed, and they held their first event dressed as bees to raise funds and awareness of the Friends of the Earth Bee Cause.

The group took part in the Tonbridge Lions organised circular charity walk that began and ended at Shipbourne Village Hall passing through the surrounding open fields and Igtham Moat. Over £100 was raised for the Bee Cause.

If anyone would like to join in future environmentally friendly activities , you can get in touch by emailing TandMfoe@gmail.com
 

Be There for Bee Cause

There's a new Tonbridge and Malling Friends of the Earth local group, and the first event that local members can take part in is the annual Lions Club local charities sponsored walk to support the 'Bee Cause'.

 

These little insects are threatened by loss of habitat, certain insecticides, and disease.   

The loss of bees as pollinators would be a disaster not just for lovers of honey, but also for farmers and gardeners.  It would cause food prices to soar.

 

 

 

The walk starts from Shipbourne Common Sunday May 19, and will be 5 miles long.

(Dressing up as a bee, or wearing yellow and black clothes for the walk is optional, but encouraged) 

 

You can get a sponsor form and friends of the Earth ‘bee cause’ petition cause from TandM.foe@gmail.com or just donate £5, and go along for the walk (dogs on leads are welcome).

 

More details about the Friends of the Earth Bee Cause from www.foe.co.uk