In the last couple of years the number of bee colonies in the UK has dropped significantly, raising food miles on honey and threatening our countryside.

Two people from opposite ends of the country have come to Trafalgar Square and stepped onto Gormley's Plinth to highlight the plight of the bees: Jon Christophers from Devon and Jane Clyne from Scotland.

Even if you don’t like honey on your toast, there are a few good reasons to be concerned. Firstly bees are the natural part the food chain. They pollinate crops and help to maintain the biodiversity we enjoy in the countryside. Secondly bees have been around for millions of years and it would be a shame (and rather short sighted) to see them go.

There is some controversy about what is causing the decline. One suggestion is that neonicotinoids, highly effective insecticides, are the principle offender. The soil association are now campaigning to have these banned.

The evidence doesn't appear to be clear cut though, so you'll have to make up your own mind on the cause. France, Germany and Italy have already taken action to ban neonicotinoids, so these countries may help to provide the answer.

If you're lucky enough to have some green space in London and fancy keeping some urban bees, check out the following links for more information:

• North London Beekeeping Association
• London Beekeepers Association
• Urban Bees

Actually, it looks like you don't even need green space to keep bees. Fortnum and Mason have beehives on the roof of their building in Piccadilly.