Adopt a Hive & save some bees

Update: New 3D technique may solve the riddle of Colony collapse by non-invasive monitoring of active hives - see link below for more information.

Here at HotVouchers.com we're not just about shopping and saving money, we also pick up on stories or events that impact us here in the UK on a more significant level. Recently I was tweeted a link to the Independent newspaper which sent me off on a discovery about Bees. This is what I found out and wanted to share with you.

The humble bumble bee contributes approx £165m to the UK economy every year, as the number of hives and bees suffer a rapid decline, there is real concern about its impact on our farming and wildlife. We depend on bees to pollinate approximately 30% of our home-grown food. Albert Einstein calculated that if bees stopped pollinating then humans would have four years left!

The Independent Newspaper has said "The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is spending £4.3m on research into the decline%u2026The UK native black bee was used for centuries as the honey-producing bee but was replaced by more productive bees from Italy and eastern Europe in the 19th century. The Co-op Group, whose food stores sell apples, field beans and other crops pollinated by bees, is putting £10,000 into the project as part of its 10-point Plan Bee."

A lovely site has been set up http://www.adoptahive.me.uk/ where you can adopt a portion of a hive for £29.99 or a whole one for £350. You get 1lb of honey, a certificate and updates on its progress for the trouble. If you enjoy the experience then you can extend your share of the hive for subsequent years at a reduced rate. All the money raised goes into research into Colony Collapse virus which appeared in the USA and has spread to mainland Europe.

So if you're looking for a unique and eco-friendly gift or Fathers Day present, then this might fit the bill. Or just help your friendly and helpful bumble-bees out because you can!