A city pub closed its doors for 24 hours over an unusual reason yesterday (May 5). The usual buzz at Digbeth’s The Anchor was halted when a nest of bees were found inside.
A sign pinned to the Bradford Street pub’s front door informed regulars they’d have to drink elsewhere. It read: “We are temporarily closed due to a honeybee infestation.
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“Honeybees are a protected species (and we love them), so we’re endeavouring to have them re-housed without harm. Apologies for the inconvenience, Jules and the team.”
At the foot of the letter, Jules added: “#SavetheBees.” The hashtag refers to a worldwide campaign urging people to protect the insects from becoming extinct.
Bees and other pollinators affect 35 per cent of global farming, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation. The insects pollinate plants across the world – which supports healthy ecosystems.
If bees disappear completely, it’s unclear what foods will survive. And if plants die, animals who eat green will also be at risk.
Ways to protect bees include consuming sustainable honey and planting flowers. Turning home gardens into bee paradises is another popular method.
This afternoon The Anchor reopened its doors. The watering hole tweeted: “We successfully saved and rehoused the honey bees. And The Anchor is back open for business.”
