Why are pollinators important and how can we help them?

Our pollinators are in crisis.  

There is much evidence that bee populations, and those of other pollinators, are declining. 

If we don’t take action to help, there will be serious implications for biodiversity, food production and wildlife habitats. 

In the UK, most of our native plants need insect pollinators for reproduction. 

Without bees, hoverflies, moths and butterflies, plants would not regenerate and this has other knock-on effects, such as for seed-eating birds, and, also, for us. 

So many insects are pollinators, such as bees, wasps, beetles, flies. Some have very specialist relationships with individual plants or habitats.

Why are pollinators important? 

Pollinators are crucial to our environment, says Helena Darragh, Head of Conservation and Land Management for the CRT.

“Pollinators are vital for the lifecycle of our plants," she says. "This includes crops and fruits as without pollination, many crops would not produce seeds, therefore not providing us (and wildlife) with food, as the seeds of crops are mostly harvested for food rather than to be planted. Pollinators also form a crucial part of the food chain as source of food for many mammals and birds.” 

Why are they in danger? 

This is down to a number of reasons, explains Helena, including habitat loss, climate change and intensive farming. 

“The use of pesticides has also contributed to destroying their habitats. There is not one cause, but more urbanisation and the disappearance of diverse flora has had a huge impact, as it reduces available food and nesting resources,” she says.

The changing weather patterns due to climate change are also affecting pollinators. This is because the timing of when certain plants are in flower is no longer aligning with when certain insects are active, meaning there is less food available for them. This is particularly seen with bumblebee and solitary bee species emerging earlier in the spring due to warmer winters.  

Our Wildflowers for Pollinators appeal

To help our pollinators, we've set up our summer appeal with the goal of raising £5,000 to create a dedicated pollinator field at Pierrepont Farm in Frensham, Surrey. 

This space will provide vital food sources and shelter for bees, butterflies, hoverflies and a host of other essential insects.  

Working with our volunteers and conservation experts, we will transform an area of overgrown scrubland into a pollinator paradise. The plan includes sowing a carefully selected mix of native wildflowers, ensuring continuous nectar and pollen sources from spring through autumn.  

Your donation will help us sow a diverse range of native wildflowers, ensuring a continuous supply of nectar and pollen from early spring to late autumn.  

What can individuals do to help pollinators in their garden?

Gardens, window boxes and allotments are extremely important for bees and other pollinators as they supply the pollen and nectar they need to survive as well as nesting habitats.  

Pollen provides them with protein for their larvae to grow, whilst nectar gives them the energy they require to search for food and procreate.  

In general, single open flowers or tubular-shaped flowers. such as foxgloves and penstemons, are the easiest for bees to gather food from. Bees’ favourite flower colours are blues, mauves and purples, they don’t appear to see red flowers as easily. 

Helena also advises creating a diverse lawn with native wildflowers and joining campaigns, such as the No Mow May campaign! 

“You can plant an array of native wildflowers in pots and allow dandelions and daisies to flower and be in lawns. They’re so important for insects – let's celebrate the weeds!” she says. 

“Please don’t kill wasps. Either trap them and take them away, deter with candles, or allow them to forage – at different times of the year they are seeking different things (protein and sugary foods) for their life stages,” said Helena. 

Don’t forget Ivy too!

“Ivy often gets a bad reputation but it’s such a valuable resource for pollinators,” says Helena. "People cut it down a lot in gardens but retaining some is a really good thing to do for pollinators. You will almost certainly see the benefit of it once summer comes to an end. 

“Ivy can get away and add weight to trees causing them to become weaker and possibly lead to their demise (as the tree isn’t strong enough to support itself and the ivy) but ivy could be managed in gardens so that some areas remain, or remain in small clumps, to offer this invaluable resource when pollen and nectar isn’t readily available in the landscape.”