Pollinator Project
Pollination is arguably one of the most important processes on the planet.
Insects visit flowers collecting food (nectar and pollen) for themselves and at the same time transfer pollen ensuring reproduction so that there are seeds and plants for the coming year. Insect pollinators include native insects (bumblebees, solitary bees, hoverflies, butterflies and wasps) as well as the domestic honey bee.
Pollination ensures the continuing existence of plants, that are the basis of complex food webs on which animals and ourselves depend.
We need to protect our pollinators to ensure that they flourish as otherwise we may not!
Falmouth Allotment Society Supporting Pollinators
Pollinator Facts
These are worth a visit:-
Insects visit flowers collecting food (nectar and pollen) for themselves and at the same time transfer pollen ensuring reproduction so that there are seeds and plants for the coming year. Insect pollinators include native insects (bumblebees, solitary bees, hoverflies, butterflies and wasps) as well as the domestic honey bee.
Pollination ensures the continuing existence of plants, that are the basis of complex food webs on which animals and ourselves depend.
We need to protect our pollinators to ensure that they flourish as otherwise we may not!
Falmouth Allotment Society Supporting Pollinators
- Set aside the boundary hedge and bank to A site in spring 2014 and will not strim until later in the year.
- Raised members' awareness in May 2014 newsletter - extract of Pollinators on Your plot from Nat. Allotment Society magazine.
Pollinator Facts
- At least one third of the total volume of global agricultural produce relies on insect pollination.
- There are over 200 species of solitary bee - they don't sting.
- Of our 24 species of bumble bee 6 are endangered and one is extinct
- Britain has lost 97% of its flower-rich grassland since the 1940's
- Of our 60 species of butterflies 75% are in decline.
- RHS list of garden plants: shrubs, annuals and perennials and when they are in flower. RHS Perferct for Pollinators Plant List
- RHS list of wild flowers: shrubs, annuals, perennials, grasses, wetlands etc and when they are in flower. RHS Perfect for Pollinators Wildflower List
- London Beekeepers: Wilds and cultivated flowers listed by colour and flowering month to help you plan your flower beds, hanging baskets or even window boxes. London Beekeepers Association
These are worth a visit:-
- How Insects Feed from flowers; flower shapes and lots more inc. a useful fact sheet about the different types of bee.The Pollinator Garden
- Pollinator Facts. Buglife