In the last 20 years there has been a dramatic 50 per cent decline in bee numbers in Britain.
Climate change, pesticides and even a mystery disease known as ‘colony collapse disorder have been blamed’.
Experts also believe that intensive farming may have contributed to the decline of bees because it means there is less wild flowers in the countryside to provide the insects with a ’varied diet’.
Nature Conservation Adviser at the National Trust, said there are “precious few” pollen sources for bees in the countryside because farmland is either taken over for “monoculture” like wheat or barley or grazed for livestock.
He urged farmers to allow more wild flowers on field margins and to plant seed mixes in unused areas.
He also said the study showed how important urban beekeepers are to boosting numbers and called on more people to install a bee hive in the town.
“These are interesting early findings, seemingly backing what we've suspected for a while - namely that bees today often fare better in urban environments than in contemporary farmland,” he said.

From today's Guardian.

pretty macro ! Davorka · 2010-08-18: 04:32

I think it's the same all over the world for the bees and other insects, what a shame,for less of them means less wild flowers, means less insects, means even less wild flowers, means............... No more wildlife :-( Wonderful set Sadhya!! eternity65 · 2010-08-18: 04:45

Superb Sx ????? · 2010-08-18: 04:49

Awesome macro shots ! finbarr · 2010-08-18: 05:10

Stunning macros. I have a bee house but no bees have taken up residence yet! Lynda · 2010-08-18: 05:25

These are fantastic macros!! Impressive! We are also having a lack of bees in the US. HoosierAtHeART · 2010-08-18: 05:28

Excellent macros! :) ????? · 2010-08-18: 07:16

Superb macros! :) Goldbrandi · 2010-08-18: 08:10

OMG I love the detail on these! and wow! seems that alot happens on the leaves on your garden! :)) onlyricky · 2010-08-18: 10:23

wow! Such a beautiful post :) RaniaBorg · 2010-08-18: 12:44

Beautiful captures, great details! imrepapa · 2010-08-18: 16:31

Fantastic shots! jet28 · 2010-08-18: 17:38

wow, those are great shots! I never realized how beautiful they really are. lannykins · 2010-08-18: 18:31

Fantastic macros! wildduck · 2010-08-19: 00:26

Same here...fewer bees to pollinate the flowers and fruit ..... this year almost no wasps! Great detail and capture, first and last:)) nssco50 · 2010-08-19: 01:01

Hard time for bees :((. Beautiful pictures. I can't explain why but the hair make me think of a day-old chick. noptek · 2010-08-19: 03:14

nice set! photogp · 2010-08-19: 08:56

So rich details and colours! hannamagnusson · 2010-08-19: 13:23

Great set Sadhya!!! did you want the ID ? ????? · 2010-08-19: 13:46

I've not had the priviledge to photo one of these yet... It's called the Garden Bumblebee Bombus hortorum This one is female and is the Queen as opposed to being a female worker. ????? · 2010-08-19: 17:21

Oh btw sadhya... In response to what you've written above concerning numbers and habitat loss, etc...I've stared using my own photos as a record source and periodically write the information down and pass it on to organisations such as the Wildlife Trusts and RSPB etc...I'm mainly recording insect species such as bees, butterflies, etc, and include information such as species, date, location, approximate numbers seen on any given day...I guess it all helps with gathering info and I don't think many are doing that in my area, particularly in places outside the National Parks, reserves etc ????? · 2010-08-19: 17:35

he's so furry he looks huggable...... though we know that wouldn't be a good idea, LOL Sprilly20 · 2010-08-19: 18:12

Excellent !! pickledherring · 2010-08-19: 20:28

It looks that bee lost a part of its leg... Extraordinary shots! pandka · 2010-08-20: 04:05

Oh goodness how did you get so close well done. MoMac · 2010-08-20: 10:58