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All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021 to 2025

The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, to help address pollinator decline and protect pollination services, has been initiated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre and developed by a steering group, which included the Ulster Farmers Union and Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

Bees are the most important pollinators

Bees are the most important pollinators
 

Globally, bees are the most important pollinators because they visit flowers to collect pollen for their larvae, as well as feeding exclusively on the nectar of flowers as adults. The entire life cycle of bees is dependent on interactions with flowering plants. While adult hoverflies feed mainly on nectar and pollen, the larvae of many species are voracious predators of aphids and other pests. As a result, hoverflies contribute to both pollination and pest control.

However, our pollinators are in decline, mainly as a result of the loss of natural and semi-natural habitats. The problem is serious. In order to ensure the sustainability of our food production, to avoid additional economic impact on the agricultural sector, and to protect the health of the environment, it requires immediate attention.

The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan for 2021-2025 is a new five-year road map that aims to help bees, other pollinating insects and our wider biodiversity. It provides a range of clear and creative ways that enable all sectors of society – schools, communities, farmers, businesses, gardeners, and local authorities – to get involved in pollinator conservation and make a space for nature.

The new Plan is even more ambitious than the first (2015-2020) – with more partners coming together to deliver more actions this time around. It is about encouraging a better way of managing our whole landscape to permanently support our struggling biodiversity.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council continues to be a key partner and are an advocate of the new Plan. We will be taking specific local actions with our key partners, to encourage better coexistence with biodiversity and help return food and shelter for our pollinators.

Download the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan for 2021-2025