Video collections
Bees are amazing - not only do they fulfil a vital role in our ecosystem, they are one of the most complex and sophisticated living things in the history of evolution. One bee alone may not amount to much, but collectively they become a powerful and vital force, responsible for pollinating almost 75% of the world's food crops. Without bees our world would be a very different place. Through updates from current affairs programmes to thermal camera footage of bees in action, this collection describes the recent dramatic decline in bee populations, suggests what we can all do to help and showcases one of the planet's most fascinating creatures.
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Bee identification
How to tell the difference between some UK bee species - and identify which might sting.
If we're all being asked to be kinder to bees and give them a helping hand, it's useful to know how to tell the difference between them. Not all bees sting, so this is also a handy guide as to how to predict which are the stingers. Bumblebees are really quite cute close up...
Bee dynasty
The life and death of a bumble bee colony.
David Attenborough describes life at the heart of the hive, exploring the fascinating world of the bee colony. This is one of nature's most highly organised and well constructed ways of life. It's a life cycle story that has provided a rich thematic backdrop to many a work of fiction exploring the nature of humanity and society.
Hygienic honey bees
A dedicated bee-keeper has a plan to tackle varroa mites.
Chris Packham meets a dedicated apiarist who has a plan to tackle varroa mites by breeding bee colonies that know how to control the infestations.
Urban bees
Bees may be doing better in our towns and cities than out in the countryside.
Despite the serious decline in many bee populations, it would seem that the city slickers amongst bees are faring a little better than their countryside counterparts. This might shed some light on what's causing the decline.
Waggle dance
Honey bees indicate the flight path to new nectar sources through a remarkable dance.
David Attenborough explains how honey bees are not only able to communicate new sources of nectar to others back in the hive, but how they update the information throughout the day.
Amegilla bees
Amegillas form a genus of large bees that has around 250 species.
Bees
Bees in the Apidae family include the familiar honey bees and bumblebees, as well as the...
Buff-tailed bumblebee
Buff-tailed bumblebees are the UK's largest bumblebee species.
Bumblebees
Vital pollinators of...
European honey bee
European honey bees have been introduced to nearly all parts of the world by humans, but...
Mason bees
Mason bees are solitary, and don't form colonies or honey, like many other bee species.
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