The British actor raises awareness of the challenges facing native pollinators with eco-friendly art installations.

Rowan Atkinson has partnered with The British Bee Charity and Netflix to help protect Britain’s endangered bee population by unveiling a series of life-sized flower sculptures depicting him in his iconic role as Trevor Bingley from the upcoming series Man vs Bee. The sculptures, created to provide a natural food source for bees, were revealed on the grounds of St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Thursday.

In the last decade, the number of honeybee hives in London has doubled, but this increase has brought about a new challenge: the local environment can no longer provide enough nectar and pollen to sustain them. To tackle this issue and ensure the survival of native species, The British Bee Charity is urging people to rethink hive placements and instead focus on planting more pollen-rich flowers and plants.

Atkinson, known for his role as Mr Bean, expressed his support for the initiative, saying: “While my character, Trevor, might find himself at odds with a bee, I’m thrilled that these quirky statues are raising awareness about the struggles faced by native British bees. By offering them a ‘bee buffet’ of pollen and nectar, we hope to make a positive environmental impact.”

The sculptures, created as part of a collaboration with Netflix to promote Man vs Bee, are designed not only to raise awareness but also to serve as a practical solution for supporting pollinators. Made with a variety of flowering plants, they are intended to act as a sustainable food source for bees during the summer months.

Greg Bool from The British Bee Charity highlighted that while many people know honey comes from bees, they are often unaware of the 250 other species of bumblebees and solitary bees in the UK. He stressed the importance of planting more diverse and pollen-rich plants to better support these vital creatures. “With the rise in honeybee hives, we must focus on the bigger picture and provide the right environment for all types of bees and pollinators,” he said.

This unique partnership between Atkinson, The British Bee Charity, and Netflix aims not only to promote Man vs Bee but also to contribute to the urgent cause of protecting Britain’s bee population, which is facing an increasingly difficult battle for survival.