Stand by Bees
Neal’s Yard Remedies
While leading copy at Neal’s Yard Remedies, I was absolutely buzzing (sorry—it was on a plate) to work on its Stand by Bees campaign. I developed the campaign messaging, including penning a petition to the prime minister, ongoing copy for the Bee Lovely range, editorial pieces and all related comms for the Bee Symposium it hosted. I also managed to bag myself a t-shirt in collaboration with Bella Freud, emblazoned with the word POLLINATE on the front, which had nothing to do with me or my linguistic skills.
Below are a range of bee-related clippings from the campaign and beyond.
The challenge
Translate a decade-long bee conservation commitment into political action after the government lifted the ban on toxic neonicotinoid pesticides. The campaign needed to mobilise public support, rally industry partners and make a compelling case for pesticide reduction, all while weaving the activism into the Bee Lovely range story.
The approach
I crafted messaging that balanced urgency with clarity, making the science accessible and consumer-friendly. I positioned the campaign language as a collective call to action to unite businesses and consumers around positive change, alongside the parliamentary petition pressing for a national target to reduce pesticide use and support farmers in adopting nature-friendly pest management practices.
The outcome
The campaign united over 80 British businesses and environmental organisations. The petition gained significant traction, and the Bee Symposium hosted by Neal’s Yard brought the conversation to industry leaders, strengthening its position as one willing to use its platform for environmental advocacy.
