Our latest research recently published in the Journal called Insect Conservation and Diversity has highlighted the importance of early flowering shrubby trees for bumblebee survival.
The plight of pollinators is a growing concern, we need pollinators like bumblebees to pollinate crops, wildflowers and trees, keeping us and nature healthy. Our latest research shows the difference we could make with spring blossom! By introducing or managing hedgerows for early blooming plants like ground ivy and red dead-nettle, and increasing the coverage of shrubby trees like hawthorn, willow as well as maple and cherry, we could effectively boost bumblebee colony survival.
Top early flowering trees to help bumblebees thrive-
- Hawthorn
- Maple
- Willow
- Cherry
This innovative approach, uses the BEE-STEWARD model to explore the effects of seasonal gaps in the availability of flowers on bumblebee colony survival. These findings offer a win-win for agriculture and conservation, ensuring bees thrive without compromising valuable farming land. It’s a simple yet potentially effective strategy.
‘Spring is a make-or-break time for bumblebee colonies, they need these early flowering shrubby species like hawthorn to successfully grow their colonies, months before the typical pollinator planting flowers are in bloom’ Dr Grace Twiston-Davies, co-author of the study University of Exeter and Wildflower Collective CIC.
For decades, pollinator planting has focussed on swathes of pollen and nectar rich flowers blooming in the summer, however, our latest research shows that this may not significantly impact longer term bumblebee survival and it is in fact the early flowering resources in the hedgerows that make the biggest difference. The recent discovery that it is the bumblebee larvae, not the adult workers, dictate the colony’s need for nectar and pollen, therefore, the colony needs ample resources earlier in the season than previously reported for survival – in March and April! This insight could be a game-changer for conservation strategies, emphasising the importance of these early season food sources. By rethinking and enhancing our approach to pollinator planting and hedgerow management, we could make a significant impact on the health and survival of these vital insects.
Read the article summary here
The research by Becher (RIFCON GmbH, Germany), Twiston-Davies and Osborne (University of Exeter, UK) and Lander (University of Oxford, UK) is published in the journal Insect Conservation and Diversity (DOI: 10.1111/icad.12736).