Bees and Beekeeping: A Treasure for Biodiversity and Lavender Cultivation
Bees play a vital role in our ecosystem. Without them, the pollination of many plants – including lavender – would be severely compromised. Beekeeping, in addition to preserving these precious pollinators, allows for the production of honey, wax, and many other products with exceptional properties. In this article, we will explore why bees are indispensable, how beekeeping promotes biodiversity, and how this practice is closely linked to lavender cultivation.
Bees, Pillars of Biodiversity
Bees, and more specifically the domestic honeybee (Apis mellifera), are responsible for nearly 80% of the pollination of flowering plants. This process is fundamental for the reproduction of many plant species, including those used for human consumption.
By foraging, bees carry pollen from one flower to another, thus promoting plant fertilization. This natural mechanism not only ensures the diversity of plant species but also the production of fruits and seeds that feed many animals.
More than a third of our food supply depends directly on insect pollination. Crops such as almond trees, apple trees, cherry trees, and lavender fields need bees to produce abundant and high-quality harvests.
Beekeeping: An Ancient Practice with Numerous Benefits
Beekeeping, or the raising of bees, is a millennia-old tradition that combines nature conservation with the production of valuable products such as honey, royal jelly, pollen, and propolis.
By installing hives, beekeepers help preserve bees and pollinate surrounding crops. This action is particularly important at a time when bee populations are threatened by pesticides, habitat destruction, and climate change.
Treasures of the Hive
Honey: A natural product with multiple virtues, it is used in both food and cosmetics for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties.
Royal jelly: A superfood known for its benefits on vitality and the immune system.
Pollen: A natural source of protein, ideal for athletes and those looking for a natural dietary supplement.
Propolis: With antiseptic and healing properties, it is used in skincare products and herbal medicine.
Bees and Lavender: A Precious Relationship
Lavender is one of the most attractive plants for bees. It produces rich and abundant nectar that allows colonies to thrive while offering exceptional honey for enthusiasts.
In Provence, lavender fields are havens of biodiversity. During the summer, bees work intensively on our estate to gather nectar, contributing to pollination and the regeneration of plants.
Each year, Florian, the brother of our owner, produces lavender honey. This delight is renowned for its delicate taste and beneficial properties. It is appreciated for:
Its unique floral aroma
Its soothing and antiseptic virtues
Its smoothness and soft texture
You can purchase our honey directly in the shop. The estate is open every day during summer from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except Saturday until 5:30 p.m.), and from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the off-season.
We invite you to discover lavender honey, an ingredient with many benefits to enhance your recipes. Its delicate aroma brings a unique touch to both sweet and savory dishes, while offering a natural and healthier alternative to refined sugar. For a delicious experience, try replacing sugar with lavender honey in this recipe for apple crumble with lavender sugar: link to the recipe. At Terre Ugo, we inspire you with tasty ideas to incorporate lavender honey into your everyday cooking.
The Threats Facing Bees and How to Protect Them
Bees face numerous challenges that threaten their survival and, by extension, the pollination of crops. Among the most concerning threats:
Pesticide use: Phytosanitary products, especially neonicotinoids, affect bees’ nervous systems and disrupt their navigation.
Climate change: Temperature fluctuations and extreme weather events alter the availability of floral resources.
Parasites and diseases: The varroa mite, a parasitic pest, weakens colonies by feeding on bees' blood.
Loss of natural habitats: Urbanization and intensive agriculture reduce areas rich in wildflowers.
Solutions to Preserve Bees
In the face of these threats, several actions can be taken:
Promote organic farming to limit pesticide use.
Plant nectar-producing flowers in gardens, green spaces, and farms.
Encourage the installation of beehives to support beekeepers and enhance pollination.
Raise awareness about the importance of bees to foster environmentally friendly practices.
Terre Ugo: A Commitment to Biodiversity
At Terre Ugo, we are convinced that protecting bees is an essential mission. Our lavender fields are responsibly maintained to offer pollinators an ideal environment. By promoting respectful farming practices and valuing lavender honey, we contribute to the preservation of these insects that are vital to the natural balance.
Bees are a fundamental link in our ecosystem. Through beekeeping and lavender cultivation, we can not only protect these pollinators but also produce natural treasures with multiple benefits. In the face of current environmental challenges, it is essential to act to protect bees and ensure biodiversity for future generations.