Local officials excited about new initiative for bee conservation

Wellington councillors have approved a plan to enhance local bee populations by planting a designated area with flowers. The site along Queen Elizabeth Way, identified by open spaces manager Darren Hill, will be planted with bulbs over winter to benefit bees and other pollinators. Hill noted in a report to the environment committee on September 16 that a lack of diverse pollen and nectar sources contributes to hive mortality, especially in early spring when flowering plants are scarce.