All-Ireland Pollinator Plan

Many of you have been asking what you can do to help our declining wild pollinators. Here are the top 10 actions you can take to support these important insects.🐝 bit.ly/3qk5vgb (The @PollinatorPlan is implemented by the @BioDataCentre)

The island of Ireland is home to many pollinators, some of which are rare. Find out what they need to survive & thrive, and help bring them back from the brink with our 'protecting rare pollinators' resources pollinators.ie/helping-endang…

Studies show that many 'wildflower' seed mixes contain non-native species & can inadvertently introduce invasive species Mow less, remove grass clippings, & local wildflowers will grow naturally. It takes time, but it's worth the wait #PatienceNotPackets

Q: Can our business help suppliers understand how to support pollinators-biodiversity? A: Yes. Send them the AIPP 'Businesses: actions to help pollinators' guidelines and invite them to sign up. tinyurl.com/57ynz6zu @biodatacentre #helpthemflyjuly #thebusinessofbees 🐝🦋

Biodiversity Tip No. 18 Leave some Bramble to flower, they’re a very valuable food source for pollinators and other wildlife. Find out more here bit.ly/48UJp72 @PollinatorPlan #FarmlandBiodiversity

Species #18: Common Carder Bumblebee Most commonly seen bumblebee on the farm. A long-tongued species that visit a huge range of plants and are well adapted to foraging in those with deep flowers, like Dead-nettles and Foxgloves. Record your sightings bit.ly/4a4dSRD

We had an excellent farm walk at Kilranelagh Lodge last week, one of the sites on the #greatirishgrasslands trail. Many thanks to the Carberry family for hosting and to everyone who joined us on the day. #nativeirishplants #meadows #speciesrichgrasslands @GrasslandsIrl

Biodiversity Tip No. 17 Encourage the adult and larvae of the 7-spot Ladybird on your farm. They can be valuable for natural pest control. A ladybird can munch through 5,000 aphids during its year-long life. Find out more here bit.ly/48UJp72 #farmlandbiodiversity

1Species #17: 7-spot Ladybird The 7-spot Ladybird is a common species, you will find it in native hedgerows, field margins, non-farmed areas and gardens. Don’t forget to record your sightings here: bit.ly/4a4dSRD #farmlandbiodiversity @PollinatorPlan

Highlights in our July newsletter 🐝Help Them Fly July 🐝Create some Clover swatches 🐝Keep an eye out for the Wool Carder bee 🐝Pollinator-friendly annual bedding 🐝Protecting rare pollinators Read more tinyurl.com/29c8886x Sign up tinyurl.com/awmwxktw

Q: Can we track pollinators-biodiversity on our business site? A: Yes. Try Flower Insect Timed (FIT) Counts (easy level). In July watch a 50x50cm of either Bramble, Ragwort or Hogweed for 10 minutes & tap what you see. tinyurl.com/4cxtcvns @biodatacentre #HelpThemFlyJuly

Species #16: Garden Bumblebee A very long tongued and long faced species, they prefer deep flowers, like Foxglove, Clover and Honeysuckle. Record your sighting here bit.ly/4a4dSRD #farmlandbiodiversity @PollinatorPlan

As part of the #festivaloffarmlandbiodiversity we ran a hedgerow photo competition during May. We’re delighted to share the results and congratulations to all who took part, to help celebrate the value of our native species-rich hedgerows. #farmlandbiodiversity

Ruth from Dublin sent us these pics of a Bee orchid & Pyramidal orchid on verges beside an industrial estate. These precious native wildflowers rely on a symbiotic relationship with fungi in the soil Reduce mowing & help wildflowers grow naturally, no seeds needed!

📢 Funding opportunity for young people in pollinator conservation🐝 As part of the EU Pollinator Initiative, the IUCN have two grants available for 18-35 year olds working on conservation projects for wild pollinators. Deadline 09/09/25 More here speciesgrants.iucn.org

If you're in Kerry this weekend, head over to Tralee for the Kerry Wild Bee Festival With a fantastic lineup of walks, talks and crafts, there are loads of opportunities to learn about wild bees in the beautiful surroundings of @traleebaywetlan More here tinyurl.com/4kxtn7d7

Q: How can we find out more about pollinator-friendly planting on our business site? A: Review the AIPP's Top Ten guide tinyurl.com/2vk8jyff and create a thematic place for pollinators. @BioDataCentre #thebusinessofbees

Species #15: Common Linnet Look out for this farmland bird. They’re usually perched up high with a distinct melodious song, a mixture of calls and various buzzing notes. Don’t forget to record your sightings here: bit.ly/4a4dSRD #farmlandbiodiversity

Biodiversity Tip No. 14 Leave some grassy tussocks and undisturbed areas around stone walls, they make great bumblebee nest sites. Find out more: bit.ly/48UJp72 @PollinatorPlan #FarmlandBiodiversity

Species #14: Red-tailed Bumblebee One of the more easily recognised bumblebees, with its jet-black body and red-orange tail. It helps to pollinate oil seed rape. Don’t forget to record your sightings here: bit.ly/4a4dSRD #farmlandbiodiversity @PollinatorPlan

We had a fantastic weekend in Abbeyleix for the Wild Bee Festival. From a thriving community garden to buzzing meadows & beautiful bog, Abbeyleix is doing so much for pollinators. We even found a Tree Bumblebee, the 1st recorded sighting in Laois! Thank you Abbeyleix Tidy Towns🐝