HONEY bee hives will be introduced in the grounds of Gwent Crematorium to help boost the population of the species in the area.

Two local and experienced bee-keepers are interested in maintaining the hives, which will be situated in the far corner of the Garden of Remembrance for a trial period of one year.

The area, next to a composting bay, is otherwise unusable and the surrounding area is only used by the groundsman who suggested the scheme.

It is hoped the bee hives will improve the pollination of plants in the grounds and will promote the crematorium as an environmental champion.

It is also anticipated they will help improve boost the crematorium's scored for Wales in Bloom and Cemetery of the Year because of the environmental benefits.

The Greater Gwent Cremation Joint Committee agreed the plans at a meeting on January 28.

A committee report to last week’s meeting said the crematorium was considered a safe site for bee hives because it is a large organic garden and uses no pesticides, which could potentially harm bees.

The report added the hives would have no impact on the normal use of the crematorium.

The decline of honey bees has become a global concern and bee numbers in the UK have fallen by up to 30 percent in the past two years.

Honey bees are vital insect pollinators, responsible for the development of many of the world’s major food crops.

Their decline has been linked to poor weather in recent summers, agricultural chemicals and air pollution.