Can farms filled with f lowers keep bees buzzing?
FARMERS are being urged to fill their hedgerows with wild flowers in a bid to boost Scotland’s bee population.
Flowering shrubs and trees such as willow, blackthorn and bird cherry should be planted, experts advise, along with the seeding and nurturing of thistle-like knapweed, cornflowers, clovers, vetches, teasel and purple tansy.
Their presence will help prevent bee numbers from plummeting and so protect crops – as well as transforming the look of the countryside.
The advice came as part of yesterday’s World Bee Day, with ecologists from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) saying it ‘demonstrates how farmers can improve their crop yields by providing habitats for insects’.
Bumblebees, hoverflies, solitary bees and other pollinating insects form ‘a vital part’ of ecological systems, including agriculture and croft production, the SRUC said.
It added: ‘Pollination is the first step in the flowering/fruiting process, resulting in the pro-
‘Ensure your farm has what pollinators need’
duction of vegetables and fruits, which comprise about 35 per cent of the human diet.’
Now, the Scottish Government’s Farm Advisory Service – delivered by SRUC specialists – has produced two practical guides on pollinating insects. One is for smallholders and crofters; the other for larger agribusinesses.
Farmers are urged to leave rough areas, banks, hedges, dykes, ditches and field margins undisturbed to provide cover and shelter.
They should also provide a variety of plants to benefit a range of pollinating species and ensure a supply of sugar-rich nectar and protein-rich pollen from March until September.
Pesticide and fertiliser applications should be minimised by using crop rotations, choosing resistant varieties and using ‘pest thresholds’ – tolerating some pests to spare pollinators.
Co-author of the guides, SRUC agricultural ecologist Dr Lorna Cole, said: ‘Flower-rich field margins provide an excellent source of food for pollinators during summer and early autumn.
‘Providing rough ground for shelter and nesting sites and planting spring-flowering shrubs and trees – such as willow, blackthorn and bird cherry – will help to ensure your farm has everything pollinators need.’