Looking After Our Pollinators
Looking After Our Pollinators
Pollinators are essential for our environment and play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity. In Ireland, there are many different types of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and even some species of birds and bats. Here are some key points about pollinators in Ireland and what we can do to help them:
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The importance of pollinators: Pollinators play a critical role in our ecosystem by transferring pollen from one flower to another, which enables plants to produce fruits and seeds. Without pollinators, many of the foods we rely on would not be available.
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The different types of pollinators in Ireland: Ireland is home to many different types of pollinators, including several species of bees, butterflies, moths, and beetles. Some of the most common bees in Ireland include the honeybee, the bumblebee, and the solitary bee.
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What we can do to help pollinators: There are many things that we can do to help pollinators, even if we're not beekeepers. One of the most important things is to provide habitat for pollinators by planting a variety of flowers and plants in our gardens and green spaces. We can also reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides, which can harm pollinators, and support local beekeeping and conservation efforts.
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Creating a pollinator-friendly garden: To create a garden that is friendly to pollinators, it's important to choose a variety of plants that bloom at different times of the year. This provides a consistent source of food for pollinators throughout the seasons. It's also important to provide shelter and nesting sites for bees and other pollinators, such as small piles of sticks or leaves. Check out our pollinator-friendly seed packs.
- Supporting local beekeeping and conservation efforts: Supporting local beekeeping and conservation efforts is a great way to help pollinators. By purchasing local honey and other bee products, we can support local beekeepers and help ensure the sustainability of their operations. We can also support conservation efforts by volunteering with local organizations and participating in citizen science projects.
By taking steps to support pollinators, we can help ensure the health and vitality of our environment and protect the essential services that pollinators provide. A great resource if you’re looking to learn more ways to help out our native pollinators is https://pollinators.ie/
“There are simple ways everyone can help, whether you have a business, a farm, a community group, a garden, or a window box. On this website you will find information about our work and campaigns, and free resources to help you learn more about our different pollinators and what you can do to help them.”
