Bees are vital to a functioning ecosystem as they are important pollinators of many plants, including many of our crops such as apples, tomatoes, peas, and even tea and coffee! In fact, 30% of our food is pollinated by bees.
One of our many Recovery College projects in 2021 is researching how we can support bees to thrive. We have been looking at the best kinds of flowers to attract them and have made a start on a dedicated area, away from the rest of the gardens, to plant bee-friendly plants and provide a safe space for them to drink and recuperate, to ensure they can thrive for many years to come.
Gardening & horticulture is important to a lot of our patients and is used as a form of relaxation and socialising, as well as developing and learning skills. Gardening provides many benefits to both physical and mental health and it’s a great way to lift your mood particularly during this challenging time.
