The importance of bees and other insects as pollinators is all over the news, as is the worrying information that insect populations are rapidly declining, with potentially catastrophic results. On the allotments, we can do a little to help by:
- establishing flowering plants which are attractive to insects and will help to sustain their populations
- choosing green manures which are attractive to insects
- being extra cautious about the use of sprays which might damage insect populations.
Information and advice
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds: Grow Flowers that Bees Love
- Wildlife Trusts: Bee A Bee-Friendly Gardener with Monty Don
- Royal Horticultural Society: Plants for Pollinators
- Permaculture: How Permaculture Helps Bees with green manures
Planting
- Green Manure for red clover and phacelia, excellent for bees
- Native wildflowers to grow in odd corners – excellent for pollinators
St Margaret's Allotments 