New handbook a weapon against threats to bees

A new handbook on what trees to plant to help bees thrive is causing a buzz for farmers.

The free document brings together knowledge from ten years of field and laboratory research by the New Zealand Trees for Bees Research Trust.

Trees for Bees farm planting adviser and trustee Dr Angus McPherson says a steady supply of forage is the best weapon against threats to vital honeybees.

“The beauty of our approach is that farmers don’t need to set aside land specially for this planting,” Angus says.

“Bees all around the world are facing a number of threats, including pests, disease and pesticides. The best weapon against these threats is to provide our bees with a steady supply of forage to help them stay healthy and strong.

“We aim to help build more resilient and sustainable farms by taking the best possible care of our star performer – the honeybee.”

Made with significant financial support from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the handbook covers ten different types of plantations: riparian protection; land stabilisation; shelterbelts; paddock shade and shelter; native bush biodiversity; roads, avenues, and laneways; amenity; edible plantations; apiaries and beekeeper yards; and mānuka plantations.

Each plantation type is described with examples, illustrations, advice, and plant lists.

“We show farmers how to incorporate a low-maintenance bee forage planting plan into planting they’re already establishing to increase production and improve their farmland,” says Angus.

One of the lead researchers for the handbook, Angus says the useful tool will assist farmers support the bees, and incorporate into their on-farm planting for biodiversity and other environmental benefits that customers are now demanding.

He says the handbook’s principles and guidelines can be adapted to any type of farm, from pastoral to arable and horticultural farms.

“The same principles can also be applied when deciding what to plant in public parks, on lifestyle blocks and in home gardens.”

MPI director of investment progammes Steve Penno says they’re proud to support the research.

“Honeybee health is crucial because bees are the foundation of agricultural production in the New Zealand economy,” Steve says.

“Planting essential bee forage as part of farm management will ensure a viable and sustainable future for our bees, beekeepers, and farmers.”

Since 2011, Trees for Bees has planted over 75,000 bee forage plants in 32 demonstration farms throughout New Zealand.

The Handbook for Planting Trees for Bees on Farms is available as a free PDF on the Trees for Bees website at treesforbeesnz.org/handbook. Limited softcover print copies are also available.