Busy builders hope to boost bee numbers at Leeds developments

Five star housebuilder, David Wilson Homes, is planting “bee-friendly” plants in the gardens of its new homes in Leeds as part of its continuing pledge to protect local wildlife.

The leading developer, which is working in partnership with the RSPB, will plant bee-friendly flowers and shrubs, which are rich in pollen and provide a long flowering season, in the gardens of its sales centres and show homes, to help boost dwindling honey bee, bumblebee and other bee populations.

There are over 250 bee species in the UK, and most face threats such as loss of habitat, climate change and disease. They are vital to the food chain, with one in every three mouthfuls of food consumed by humans dependent on pollination, including apples, pears, onions, potatoes, cherries, chilies, carrots, margarine and herbs.

Dan Hardcastle, Sales Manager at Bodington Manor said; “We want to raise awareness of the threat faced by bees by using specific plants in the gardens of our local developments to benefit bees, and encourage our customers and other gardeners to do the same.”

Bee-friendly plants produce high levels of nectar and pollen, and include poppies, lavender, heathers, geraniums, foxgloves and fruit trees.

The homebuilder has also recently worked with the RSPB to publish a list of top tips to increase wildlife in gardens - including building a “bee B&B” - for solitary bees to nest in and lay their eggs.

The RSPB’s wildlife gardening expert Adrian Thomas said: "The UK's bee numbers are in decline, but planting the right mix of flowers, shrubs and bushes can help reverse this, as can putting up a simple bee hotel in a sunny position.

“We would like to see people inspired to help give nature a home after they visit one of David Wilson Homes’ show homes, as even a few small changes in your garden can make a big difference for bees and other wildlife.“

David Wilson Homes is encouraging residents, businesses and schools to follow its example wherever possible to provide homes and suitable plants for bees.

For more information on bee friendly plants, visit the RSPB Homes For Wildlife blog, written by Adrian Thomas: http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/wildlife/homesforwildlife/b/gardeningforwildlife/archive/2017/03/10/going-blue-for-bees.aspx

A well-established homebuilder, David Wilson Homes prides itself on creating exceptional homes in the finest locations and recently achieved the maximum five star rating in a customer satisfaction survey ran by the Home Builders Federation for an eighth consecutive year.

David Wilson Homes currently has its Bodington Manor development in Leeds, with homes available to purchase from £521,995.For more information on any David Wilson Homes developments near you, please visit https://www.dwh.co.uk/.