Photo by Jenna Lee
One third of our bee species are threatened with extinction from Ireland. This is because we have drastically reduced the amount of food (flowers) and safe nesting sites in our landscapes. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is about all of us, from farmers to local authorities, to schools, gardeners and businesses, coming together to try to create an Ireland where pollinators can survive and thrive. The first Plan covers the period 2015-2020 and a new version will be developed to cover 2021-2025.
Why do we need pollinators?
Pollinators are important to farmers who grow pollinator-dependent crops and to those of us who want to grow our own fruits and vegetables. Even if we don’t currently grow these crops, we should aim to retain the ability to do so for future generations.
We know that 78% of our wildflowers also benefit from being pollinated by insects – without bees we will lose the colourful and distinct natural beauty of our landscape, which makes it a pleasant place to live, an attractive destination for tourists, and a selling point for our agricultural produce abroad.
All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020
Unfortunately our pollinators are in decline, and the problem is serious. One third of our 98 bee species are threatened with extinction from the island of Ireland. If we want them to be here to pollinate crops and wild plants for future generations, we need to manage the landscape in a more pollinator-friendly way and create a network of diverse and flower-rich habitats. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020 is supported by over 80
governmental and non-governmental organisations who have pledged to deliver 81 actions to achieve this goal and make Ireland, North and South, more pollinator friendly. It is a shared plan of action. Everyone, from farmers to councils, local communities, businesses, schools, gardens and transport authorities have a role to play in the Pollinator Plan.
It is farmers, as keepers of the countryside, on whom we are most reliant to make the Pollinator Plan work.
For a complete guide on Actions Farmlands can take to help Pollinators click HERE
All information found on https://pollinators.ie/
