GARDENERS in Yorkshire have been urged to create bee-friendly gardens to help protect insects threatened by habitat loss and climate change.

Friends of the Earth’s Bee Cause campaign is being supported by BBC gardening presenter Alys Fowler to save bees that pollinate food and make countryside, parks and gardens thrive.

More than 20 UK bee species are already extinct - including Yorkshire’s Tormentil Minig Bee - and a quarter of those remaining are at risk due to their food and nesting sites disappearing, with 97 per cent of wildflower meadows gone in the last 60 years.

Alys said: “Gardens are becoming one of the most important refuges for Britain’s wild and honey bees, providing chemical-free food, clean water and a place to nest.

“Taking steps to make your garden bee-friendly brings in other beneficial insects and wildlife too, helping your garden to find its natural balance. When the balance is right, there is no such thing as a pest problem, meaning less work for you. In return, bees will pollinate your fruits and vegetables, giving you more strawberries, apples and tomatoes to enjoy.”

For more information go to foe.co.uk/bees