Help pollinators in Ipswich, Leeds, Bristol and Leicester
Church of England and Buglife – helping develop a network of wildflower-rich areas for our native pollinators
Background
Buglife and the Church of England are working together to help conserve our native insect pollinators (bumblebees, hoverflies, moths and other bees) on which we are all dependent for pollinating many of our crops and wildflowers/trees. In particular we are looking for opportunities to help pollinators within the national B-Lines network (a priority pollinator network where we are trying to increase the area of habitat for pollinators, in particular wildflower-rich areas).
Would you like to help pollinators in Ipswich, Leeds, Bristol and Leicester?
Buglife’s Urban Buzz project is about to be launched in Leicester, Ipswich, Bristol and Leeds.
Buglife will be working with local communities, schools, councils and businesses to manage areas for pollinators, including creating/restoring wildflower meadows and other wildflower-rich areas, planting blossoming trees and planting flower-beds with pollinator friendly garden plants. Local people will be encouraged to participate in the work and there will be opportunities to receive training on habitat management and pollinator identification. Over the next 18 months Buglife will create 100 pollinator friendly areas in each of the four cities/towns as well as engaging with over 1000 people/volunteers.
Opportunities for Churches
Many churches are already taking action for wildlife and pollinators, with churchyards having many wildflowers, flowering trees/shrubs and other flowers, all of which provide food for bumblebees, moths and hoverflies. Churchyards can also provide very important nesting and shelter in those less frequented corners. However there are always additional opportunities to help pollinators and the Urban Buzz project is keen to help. Both funding and advice may be available for churches wanting to get involved.
This is a great opportunity for churches and their parishioners to help conserve our threatened yet incredibly important native pollinators while potentially also making areas more attractive for people.
For further information you can contact:
Leicester – nick.packham@buglife.org.uk
Leeds – Andrew.Cutts@buglife.org.uk
Ipswich – David.Dowding@buglife.org.uk
Bristol – Hayley.herridge@bugife.org.uk
Below: Hoverfly collecting nectar from a bellflower in Langcliffe churchyard. 80% of flowers need some form of insect pollination. Look through a hand-lens to see the beautiful detail of these creatures. -photo by web editor.- Difference between hoverfly and wasp
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Comments on "Help pollinators in Ipswich, Leeds, Bristol and Leicester"
Alex Jowitt:
Saw the film at The Light in Leeds where there was a disappointing turnout. This leaves ample opportunity for it to be shown in churches to a larger audience. It is somewhat of a tribute to Al Gore. That said his achievement at the Paris COP 21 should not be underestimated. Can be appreciated a second time around, (without attendant adverts and musak).
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