Last month as part of the all Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021 - 2025, we decided to take part and plant some wild flowers at our headquarters in Co. Cavan.
We planted these wild flowers to increase biodiversity and to help provide and maintain our eco system.
We're often asked about the best ways to help our declining wild pollinators. Here are some of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan's actions you can take to help insects.
Reduce mowing to allow native wildflowers like Dandelions, Clover and Birds-foot Trefoil to naturally return over time.
The more blossom your hedgerow has in spring, the better it is for biodiversity. Allow hedges to grow into a natural A-shape profile rather than a neat box shape. Flowers grow on older wood, so avoid cutting annually – cut on a three-year rotation instead to allow them to flower in spring.
Plant trees! Native trees and shrubs such as Willow, Hawthorn, Rowan, Crab Apple, and Holly support huge numbers of insects including pollinators. Plant a young tree in the autumn or winter, or grow them from seed.
These potent chemical cocktails are designed to kill various organisms. One of the best things you can do for pollinators is avoid using them. If you buy plants at a garden centre, ask if they have been treated with chemicals. Even ‘bee friendly’ labelled plants may have been treated with pesticides.
Wild pollinators nest in hedgerows, wild areas, dry stone walls, and even in the ground. To make a nesting habitat for them, just scrape back some bare earth, leave some areas to grow wild, or simply drill holes 10cm deep in unvarnished wood for solitary bees.
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If you want further information on pollinator plans or to speak to us about pollinating your community space contact Deirdre on 087 1163978.
Happy Pollinating! 🌼
