Referencing this week’s Hort Week news brings a very interesting and important update from the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme.
An 8-year study by Citizen Scientists to record the UK top pollinators. The scheme is run by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) with support from Butterfly Conservation.
The top pollinator is -
Common ivy: Hedera helix which is really great in particular for the Painted Lady butterfly. The late summer/ autumn blooms are rich in pollen and nectar. This is followed by -
* Bramble.
* Buddleia.
* Knapweed.
* Thistles (Cirsium & Cardus)
* Hogweed.
* Lavender (English, angustifolia)
* Ragwort.
* Heathers.
*Hawthorn.
* White Clover (Trifolium repens)
* White dead nettle.
*Buttercup.
Pictured is - Knapweed (Centaurea nigra)
Hawthorn - (Crataegus monogyna)
The list is ongoing.
As gardeners I think the important thing here in such desperate times with the environment, is to be versatile in mixing the wild garden ethos with our hardy perennial planting theme.
Granted, a few of the top pollinators above would be non-starters in our cultivated areas. Depending on the individual space, choice boundaries/ hedges are very selective and essential choices for wildlife and pollinators.
I was recently approached by an elderly neighbour who was at a complete loss as to why our small front lawn had been left unmown with a strimmed pathway through since May this year, despite the wildflowers that had naturalised in the space which included Speedwell and Orange Hawkweed among a good number of other species. When I explained the concept to him, he replied I wish I'd never asked, but I get the distinct impression that he's thought about it a lot more since?
There's been a marked difference this year in increased butterfly numbers and species, particularly in our small garden.
Let's hope it continues in 2027, all around the UK. We must all keep trying!
Kevin Line is Head Gardener, Lakeside Hotel, Cumbria.
Hort Week Columnist.
Writer- Professional Gardeners ‘Guild.
BBC Gardeners' World 2004 - 2006. (Wildlife Garden)
