Last year it was reported by the Apiary Inspectors of America that the dying bee population is still in trouble. This problem isn't just occurring in the U.S.; a couple of weeks ago British beekeepers lobbied Parliament for more research funding to try to get to the bottom of the potential crisis which will inevitably occur if ithe effects of ssues such as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) are not reversed.

In the meantime people are starting to ask if there's any way they can help increase the bee population, and as it turns out, we may not be completely helpless when it comes to the plight of the bees. Here's how:

Take a leaf out of Pooh's book and eat more honey. And, says the British Beekeepers Association, support other bee-related products, be they face creams or ice-creams, so long as they are produced in the UK. Creating a healthy market makes beekeeping more attractive and financially rewarding; therefore, more people are likely to take it up, increasing bee numbers. So stock up on beeswax lip balm from the Cotswolds-based skincare company Apples & Pears (£9.25, http://www.apples-and-pears.com/ ) and honey marmalade from Brynderi Honey Farm in Wales (£3.80; http://www.brynderihoney/ farm.com ).

Sadly, this approach isn't guaranteed to save our bees.

Only time will tell whether our enthusiasm for honeycomb and beeswax furniture polish will match the dual destruction caused by disease and invasive species.

Last year the Bumblebee Conservation Trust encouraged us to make our gardens wildlife-friendly with the help of green methods (http://www.greengardener.co.uk/ ) and by growing old-fashioned wild flowers, such as lavender, geranium, honeysuckle and foxgloves.

If you want to be fully committed, what about a beekeeping summer course and then taking on a hive yourself (http://www.bee-craft.com/ )?

Obviously these suggestions are aimed at residents of the UK, but the principles apply to all of us. Source out local honey sold by beekeepers in your area. It's almost time for farmer's market season and fresh produce isn't the only thing you can find there. Many honey producers sell their products at the local markets and once you make contact with them, you can usually purchase honey year-round, even once the market has closed for the winter.

Check out products by Burt's Bees, available in most major retailers across North America and also sold online (click here if you want to visit the Canadian Burt's Bees site).

And of course, no matter where you are from, you can always take up beekeeping as the article suggests. The summer is the perfect time to take up a new hobby that will get you off the couch and outdoors, and in a case like this, make a positive contribution to a widespread problem.

» Times Online