HELPFUL tips for making your garden bee-friendly are being shared by developer Barratt.

The company is encouraging householders to make small changes to their gardens to give bees places to thrive and shelter.

Wild and honey bees have seen an overall decline in the UK in the past 50 years. The country has more than 250 species of bee, according to government figures - 25 species of bumble bee, 224 species of solitary bee and one honey bee species.

Barratt's sales director Lynton Dudgeon said: "We want to raise awareness of the threat faced by bees, and by all doing our bit to plant nectar-rich plants to benefit them we can help combat some of the issues faced by bees."

Poppies, lavender, heather, geraniums, foxgloves and fruit trees are among the nectar and pollen-rich plants being favoured by Barratt at its developments, which include Riverside View and Quernmore Park, both in Lancaster.

Adding a pond or water feature is also beneficial, as is providing a nesting site for solitary bees. Specially made "bee hotels" can be bought ready-made or constructed from bamboo canes, making small wooden tunnels for bees to shelter in.

Barratt is encouraging home owners to keep an eye out for tired bees on the ground, struggling to fly in hot weather. It says bees should never be given honey to revive them, as there is a risk of them catching a virus. Instead, make a solution of two tablespoons of white granulated sugar with one tablespoon of water and place near the bee's head on a plate or spoon. Once it has had a drink the bee should regain its energy and fly back to its hive.

Gardeners are also being urged to avoid spraying open flowers with pesticides, and instead to keep pests away by adding plants such as marigold or garlic to the garden.

Lynton added: "As bee numbers decline in the UK it is more important than ever that we take action to help out wherever we can."