World Bee Day: Beekeeping and biodiversity

Terra{Fora} is a journey towards sustainability – not only a bold statement of our commitment to the environment, but also a joyful celebration of our power to effect change.

Beekeeping is an ancient practice that has been an important part of our relationship with nature for many thousands of years. Both domestic and wild pollinators are crucial to our global health as they facilitate crop fertilisation for the food industry.

How does beekeeping help us connect to nature, and what can we do to support pollinators alongside local and global biodiversity? Why has urban and corporate beekeeping become so popular in recent years, and what are the benefits and risks?

Fora is joined by Andrew Griffiths, Director of Community and Partnerships at Planet Mark, along with a panel of experts on bees and biodiversity on World Bee Day, to explore how some of the smallest creatures on the planet capture our emotional and universal relationship to nature.

This Q&A panel discussion will address everything you need to know, from why diversity (in bees) is not just a subject for Hollywood to obsess over, to how individuals can support urban wildlife however small their outside space is.

Agenda and learning outcomes:

• What is biodiversity and urban biodiversity?

• The importance of pollinators in biodiversity

• Rise of beekeeping in cities – risks and rewards

• Beekeeping, biodiversity and wellness

• How individuals can support urban wildlife

Benefits of attending:

• Hear from inspiring speakers about the importance of bees and biodiversity

• Receive practical advice on what you can do to support local and global biodiversity

• Connect with like-minded individuals who are dedicated to environmental issues in the UK

Speakers:

• Gill Perkins – CEO of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, a UK-wide charity who campaign and work to monitor and conserve bumblebees, wild pollinators and their habitats.

• Mark Douglas – founder of BEE1, who specialise in Corporate and Social Responsibility delivery focusing largely on environmental, biodiversity, education, community, health and wellbeing.

• Timothy Etherington-Judge – co-founder of Avallen, a socially responsible drinks brand with a focus on supporting pollinators and natural farming.

• Richard Scott – director of the National Wildflower Centre, which, from its home at the Eden Project, is devising new programmes with the bold aims of reversing ecological decline and bringing wildflowers back into the UK’s living culture.