PROMPTED by remarks I made in a debate in Parliament on the subject of bees, I was contacted by the Bee Guardian Foundation, based at the Social Enterprise Centre in Brick Row, Stroud.

Run by Jessie Jowers and Carlo Montesanti, the Foundation is a not for profit educational organisation that enables and empowers landowners, communities and individuals to conserve and protect their local bee species.

Last week, I met Jessie and Carlo to discover a whole new understanding of bees and the role they play in pollinating up to 80 per cent of our crops.

Incredibly, there are around 250 species in the UK and not all of them are honeybees.

Hives are not the only place where bees can found, some live underground - known as mining bees - and others in cavities.

Many species and plants have strategies to attract each other, ensuring that pollination is efficient and effective.

Sadly, the specialist pollinator is facing the greatest dangers from the threats that we were discussing in the House of Commons.

The debate tended to focus on the honeybee because, I, like other MPs, had been contacted by constituents about their concerns over the threats to them.

There are several conclusions to draw from this.

First, all bees matter and we must extend research into the role and health of wild bees.

In Stroud, there are many people who are already taking steps to protect bees, including growing bee friendly plants, avoiding the use of pesticides, providing nest boxes and creating ‘safe havens’.

Secondly, this is a great example of a how a social enterprise can make a real and lasting difference.

I am determined to promote such initiatives and this is especially appropriate as the Prime Minister is outlining how the Big Society is going to develop and have access to funding.

Thirdly, protecting our environment involves more complex issues than it might first appear.

It is essential that the actions we take are properly balanced so that unintended consequences are avoided.

In this case, a proper understanding of the facts about bees will, ultimately, protect them and aid conservation.

If you wish to discuss any issues with me, phone 01453 751572, email me on neil.carmichael.mp@parliament.uk, or visit my website www.neilcarmichael.co.uk.