Bees, butterflies & blooms

Our food security is under threat because without healthy populations of insect pollinators across the world, fruit production, including cocoa and coffee beans would be impossible.

With the changes agriculture and landscape underwent to accommodate our food demands in the past century (increased food production, mechanization and invention of chemical fertilizers, and pesticides) 98% of all wild flowers have been lost to extensive monoculture crops, such as wheat and maize.

These conditions have made it increasingly difficult for pollinators to survive. The lack of food and habitat, resulting in unhealthy pollinators make them more vulnerable to pesticides, pathogens and parasites. What does the future hold? Sarah Raven argues that we can do something about it.

Over the course of a year she tried to get citizens and local councils, amongst others to plant pollen and nectar rich plants, of which 1 in 5 is in danger in the UK.

The BBC Two team also worked with Duncan Farrington in Northamptonshire as part of a natural enhancement project and together discovered the benefits of planting wildflower margins around fields. Not only did the flowery margins benefit crop productivity, saved him money but this simple measure also helped supporting the pollinators by providing a useful habitat for insects and wildlife.

If you are based in UK, watch the second and third episode of Bees, Butterflies and Blooms on Wednesdays 15th and 23rd February 2012 at 8pm on BBC 2. Missed it? Watch it on BBC iPlayer.