"We seem to be living in a world where governments care more about international commerce and business concerns than with the stability of nature and maintenance of the eco-system. The government has recently approved an application to use bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides on British fields, but the lack of transparency around the decision has angered campaigners and over 500,000 have signed a petition objecting strongly to this short-sighted policy. 'Bee warned', this is nothing less than madness!
All manner of insects fascinate me; particularly how so small a creature can have so big an impact on the quality of my life.
Often I've been asked what purpose do wasps serve, especially after having been stung by one? In early summer, wasps, like bees, pollinate plants and flowers as they feed on nectar. If we were to eradicate all wasps, it would cause more problems than it would solve. So, wasps do serve a purpose, and despite being a problem at certain times of the year, they are a highly beneficial insect. In the natural world, wasps, although irritating to humans, have their role to play in our continued well-being.
The daily presence of wasps carries much more than a sting in their tail. They act as a remainder to all of us that we each have our role to play within the larger picture. What is your role in this life? What role do you play within your family, your neighbourhood, within your workplace or with your friends? Is it one of loving partner, benevolent neighbour, best friend, reliable colleague or purposeful irritant?
Sometimes I have thought it might be nice to be a fly on the wall and listen to what others truly think of us? On the other hand, forget that notion. I'd sooner smell the fragrance of the bloom from a safe distance than get up too close and risk getting stung on the nose with too much truth!" William Forde: August 24th, 2016.