With news about the decline of our natural world flooding our social media feeds, it’s easy to lose ourselves in eco-anxiety and start to feel helpless. Especially considering the complex tapestry of ecosystem processes that lean on one another to function, finding actionable solutions can seem overwhelming.
Pollination is a model example of a critical ecosystem service that underpins the success of much broader systems, such as agricultural productivity with major knock-on effects for global food security. Agricultural intensification, climate change and an increase in invasive species pose major threats to pollinators, with populations declining at alarming rates.
The weight of environmental degradation on such a large scale can easily cloud our view of the impact we can have one our planet. But, just as pollinators are tiny in size but immeasurable in importance, so are the steps we take towards regenerating our natural world. As they say, charity begins at home.
Wildlife corridors are spaces that connect habitats and are usually placed between ecologically important areas to facilitate migratory patterns and extend primary habitats. They’re usually associated with large migratory species, but are vital for small species too. With increased urbanisation, habitats are becoming more fragmented with larger gaps in between, making it difficult for wildlife like insects to move between available habitats. Roadside verges are an excellent example of wildlife corridors. When they are left to grow wild, they act as a bug hotel for pollinating insects. Pollinator pathway is a term used to describe pesticide-free corridors of native plants, providing food and shelter for pollinating insects and can easily be created at home.
Some tips to help pollinators at home:
1. Think small
As these are meant to connect larger habitats, size isn’t the most important factor. So think small if that’s all you’ve got! Flower boxes or a few pots dotted around are perfect little habitats for pollinators to hang out for a while.
Vertical gardens are a great way to plant in small spaces – plant creepers up your walls and fences or fit in a simple vertical planter to fill your space efficiently. Or even better, replace your wall altogether with a hedge – allowing wildlife to come in and out of your garden more easily.
2. Think easy
Mow your lawn less often and even better – let some of your lawn grow wild. Wild flowers will likely pop up, or you can sprinkle some wildflower seed to make a small meadow in your garden. Consider joining Plantlife’s #NoMowMay movement
Mowed lawns provide little to no habitat – Plantlife found that mowing only once a month can support 10x more pollinators than a regularly mowed lawn. So embrace your inner Beatrix Potter and let your lawn’s hair down. Throw in some bushes and shrubs to provide shelter – even better if they have berries for the birds to enjoy.
Add a source of freshwater like a shallow dish with pebbles in the bottom to weigh it down and you’ve got an all inclusive bug hotel.
3. Think cheap
Pesticides and herbicides are not only expensive, they can also be harmful to pollinators with potential toxic effects on other wildlife. Go organic and save time and money applying chemicals in your garden.
4. Think wild
Choose native flowers to support local pollinators. Some simple wildflower seed is great.
Remove any invasive alien species (manually so not to use toxic chemicals).
5. Think colourful
Plant a variety of flowers with different shapes and sizes. Choose plants that bloom in each season to provide a year round bug hotel in your garden. The more diversity the better – for pollinators and you!
The best part about creating wildlife corridors at home, is even small changes can make a massive difference, especially in urban environments. Just do what works for you and know you can have a positive impact on your local environment without feeling overwhelmed.
PS: if you want to take this a step further, you can join the global pollinator watch – a home based citizen science program giving members of the public the resources they need to collect data that is critical to understand pollinator abundance around the world. You can find out more on their website. It’s super simple and a fun way to get to know your local bugs! 𓆣
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