Stoke-on-Trent woman helps exhausted bee with a simple act of kindness
A Stoke-on-Trent woman has helped give an exhausted bee a much-needed boost after finding it struggling and unable to fly.
Shaz Smith said the bee appeared so tired that it would not leave her hand after she found it. She initially placed a small amount of sugar water on a plate, but when the bee was too exhausted to reach it, she offered it directly from her hand.
She said the bee eventually took the sugar water and was able to recover.
It is a lovely reminder that even a small act of kindness can make a difference to the wildlife around us, but there is also a common misconception about how to help a struggling bee. So here at Six Towns Daily we will give you the guide to save a bee in distress.
Don't reach for the honey
Many people believe that giving a tired bee honey is the best thing to do, but the Bumblebee Conservation Trust advises against this.
If a bumblebee genuinely needs an emergency energy boost, a 50/50 mixture of white sugar and water can be offered in a couple of drops. Honey should not be used because it can contain pathogens that may make bumblebees ill.
However, sugar water should only ever be considered a temporary helping hand. Bees naturally get the nutrients and energy they need from nectar and pollen.
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust recommends first leaving a bee alone for around 30 to 45 minutes if it is simply resting. If it has been on the ground for longer and there are flowers nearby, gently moving it onto a bee-friendly flower may be enough.
How can we help bees in Stoke-on-Trent?
You don't need a huge garden or specialist equipment to make a difference.
Planting bee-friendly flowers, leaving some areas of grass to grow longer and avoiding unnecessary pesticides can all help provide insects with food and shelter.
Even a few pots of flowering plants on a balcony, doorstep or small garden can provide valuable sources of nectar.
There is also wider work taking place across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to improve habitats and support nature recovery. The area's Local Nature Recovery Strategy aims to identify and improve important habitats, while Staffordshire County Council has also committed to wildlife-friendly management of roadside verges to support pollinators.
So the next time you spot a bee struggling, take a moment before simply walking past. It may just need a safe, quiet place to recover – and, in some cases, a tiny helping hand.
Great job Shaz! We need people like you in our community.