Importance of pollinators
Pollinators like butterflies, hoverflies, and bees may often be taken for granted, but they play a crucial role in maintaining stable and healthy food agriculture, as well as ensuring we have diverse, colorful, and nutritious diets. Bees are expert pollinators, transferring pollen between flowering plants, helping them grow, breed, and produce food. A large majority of the plants we rely on for food, such as almonds, vanilla, apples, and squash, depend on pollination, primarily by bees. Additionally, bees pollinate around 80% of wildflowers in Europe, contributing significantly to the beauty of our countryside.
Climate change and the decline of natural habitats pose significant challenges for bees and other pollinators. In the UK, thirteen bee species have gone extinct since 1900, and another 35 are on the threatened species list. Changing weather patterns disrupt bees' ability to find food and nesting sites.
Pollinators are essential to our economy, wellbeing, and the fight against climate change and nature loss. It's crucial that we recognize their importance and do our best to support them. Key pollinators include bumblebees, hoverflies, solitary bees, honeybees, wasps, moths, butterflies, and beetles.
How can we help our pollinators?
Leave a portion of your garden grass uncut and allow dandelions, clovers, and thistles to flower. While they may be considered weeds, they can be quite beautiful and beneficial to pollinators.
Plant pollinator-friendly plants in your garden, pots, or window boxes. Annuals like cosmos, perennials like bellflower, and herbs like rosemary, lavender, and sage all serve as excellent food sources.
Grow your own produce! Pollinators are essential for fruiting and seed production in garden fruits and vegetables. Apple blossoms, blackberry bushes, runner beans, strawberries, and tomatoes are all pollinator-friendly.
Create homes for bees. While commercial bee homes are helpful, also consider providing habitats for mining bees, solitary bees, and bumblebees.
Reduce pesticide use. Opt for manual weed removal, or if necessary, use spot treatment of weedkiller instead of blanket spraying.
Support local bees and beekeepers. Purchasing local honey supports beekeepers in your area. Choose organic honey to avoid chemicals used in agriculture, and buy local to reduce global carbon emissions.
Images by BURST