This is a major undertaking involving residents, organisations and the school. It not only helps protect pollinating insects, but also beautifies the village of Trzebień, especially the area around the “Jarzębina” Community Centre.
It is one of the elements of a campaign conducted by the “Zielona Akcja” Ecological Foundation, aimed at protecting the habitats of bees and other pollinating insects. In recent years, climate change, diseases and parasites, as well as the excessive use of chemicals in agriculture, have led to a significant decline in the population of these insects. If the scale of this phenomenon cannot be reduced, serious problems with food production may arise.
Scientific data indicate that pollinating insects are responsible for pollinating more than 80% of the plants we consume. As a result of the intensification of agriculture, their natural habitats have also been rapidly shrinking in recent years. Meadows, gardens, green spaces and wooded areas, as refuges of biodiversity in Polish villages, therefore play an important role in maintaining healthy populations of pollinating insects by providing favourable living conditions for these beneficial creatures.
After conferences, training sessions and joint planning with the assistance of specialists, the village of Trzebień was selected from among many villages across Poland and included in the “Helping Bees” programme. Trzebień received expert support from employees of the “Zielona Akcja” Ecological Foundation, as well as financial support of PLN 3,000 to cover the purchase of trees, shrubs, honey-producing perennials and an educational board. Official patronage of the “Nectar-Producing Zone” was assumed by the “Stowarzyszenie Trzebień” in cooperation with the “Jarzębina” Community Centre in Trzebień, managed by Agnieszka Faltyn, an employee of the Municipal Cultural and Sports Centre in Bolesławiec with its registered office in Kruszyn, and Marek Suchcicki, an enthusiast of pollinating insects, gardens and nature as a whole.
On Wednesday, 22 April, the plants were delivered to Trzebień. Throughout the afternoon, members of the “Stowarzyszenie Trzebień” planted honey-producing trees and shrubs: young people and children from the “Jarzębina” Community Centre, as well as village residents, including councillor Andrzej Szwedo, housing cooperative president Krzysztof Zięcik and forest ranger Tomasz Loch. Lime trees, rowans, snowberries, barberries and oleasters were planted.
The following will also be planted: snowberries, quince, dogwood, oleaster, as well as the perennials sea holly, phacelia, mint and lavender. Houses for wild bees, built by young people from the Community Centre, will also be installed. They will be inhabited mainly by garden mason bees. Mason bees are the most popular solitary bees, whose pollination effectiveness is as high as that of honeybees. Mason bees are valued by fruit growers. The houses are placed in orchards and gardens, where all gardening work can be carried out without fear of being stung.
More information about wild bees and pro-environmental activities can be found on the foundation’s website: www.zielonaakcja.pl.
Further reports on the activities and operation of the zone will be regularly made available to the public. We warmly invite you to visit the “Nectar-Producing Zone” in Trzebień.
Information: Agnieszka Faltyn/ii