Hi, this is Jane from the Wild Bunch. It is hard to believe we’re well into summer, as the weather has been so unseasonal. Many people are reporting fewer sightings of bees and other insects; possibly a consequence of recent wild and windy weather. However, more importantly, sightings will be down as the numbers of flying insects have dropped over the past 20 years by as much as 60%. Having fewer insects not only means reduced pollination of flowers. It also results in less food being available for our wildlife, many of which feed on insects.
Reasons for the decline in insect numbers are many and still not fully understood, but one major factor is loss of habitat. There are simply fewer places for plants rich in pollen and nectar to grow, so nature’s larder is shrinking. And this is where we can all do our bit. A window box, flowerpot, grass verge or flower bed can all be filled with plants to keep the insects fed. Having flowers of different shapes and sizes means insects can find one that suits them – whether that be one with flat petals such as the poached-egg plant or deep-throated flowers such as foxglove, loved by bumblebees. However, we need to think beyond the summer. Come autumn and winter, many insects will still be seeking sources of food, so now is a good time to plan what we might plant to provide pollen later in the year. How about some ivy, adored by bees and with the added bonus of autumn berries loved by blackbirds? Or for winter, maybe some snowdrop bulbs planted in August or September, to be visited by bees and other insects on the occasional warm winter day? Small actions can make a big difference, when it comes to providing sources of pollen and nectar.
If you would like to join the Wild Bunch, share ways to encourage wildlife in gardens and local open spaces, or suggest topics for the monthly gatherings, email fromewildbunch@gmail.com. To receive the monthly newsletter, find out dates, topics and location of gatherings this year, and to book a place, visit www.bit.ly/frome-wild-bunch Our next gathering – 1.30pm on Thursday July 18th at Frome Town Hall – is all about swifts,. We look forward to seeing you.
