Advanced research reveals that gardens are a secret powerhouse for pollinators

Home gardens are the largest food source for pollinating insects, including bees and wasps, in cities and towns, according to a new study.

The study, led by Bristol University and published today in the Journal of Ecology, measured for the first time the number of nectar extracted in urban areas and found residential gardens that were predominantly – about 85 percent on average.

The results of three gardens created per day showed an average of around a teaspoon of Nature’s ambrosia, the unique sugar-rich liquid found in flowers that pollinators drink for energy. While a teaspoon may not sound like much to humans, it equates to over a tonne to an adult and enough to fuel thousands of flying bees. As more bees and other pollinators fly, so will the greater diversity of flowers and animals.

Ecologist Nicholas Tew, lead author of the study, said: “Although the size and diversity of nectar was measured in the countryside, this was not the case in urban areas, so we decided to carry out a study.

“We expected private gardens in towns and cities to be a sufficient source of nectar, but we did not expect the volume of production to be so large. Our findings clarify the place they play a vital role in supporting pollinators and promoting biodiversity in urban areas across the country. “

The study, carried out in partnership with the universities of Edinburgh and Reading and the Royal Horticultural Society, examined nectar production in four major UK cities and towns: Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Reading . Nectar production was measured in nearly 200 plant species by extracting nectar from more than 3,000 individual flowers. The extraction process involves the use of a fine-grained glass tube. The sugar content of the nectar was measured with a refractometer, a device that measures the amount of light returned when it passes through a solution.

“We found that nectar supply in urban landscapes is more diverse, in other words it comes from more plant species, than in farmland and nature reserves, and this urban nectar supply is very much a foundation for private gardens, ”said Nicholas Tew, who is studying for a PhD in Ecology.

“Gardens are so important because they produce the most nectar per unit area of ​​land and cover the largest amount of land in the cities we’ve studied.”

Nearly a third (29 percent) of the land in urban areas consisted of home gardens, which is six times the area of ​​parks, and 40 times the area of ​​allotments.

“The research shows the important role that gardeners play in pollinator conservation, because without gardens there would be much less food for pollinators, which includes bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, flies, and beetles in towns and cities. New housing and gardening are vital and it is also important for gardeners to try to ensure that their gardens are as good as possible for pollinators, “explained Nicholas Tew.

“Ways to do this include planting nectar-rich flowers, making sure there is always something flowering from early spring to late autumn, mowing the lawn so often to allow dandelions, clover, daisies and other plant flowers to thrive, avoid spraying toxins that could harm pollinators, and avoid covering a garden in a pavement, decoration or artificial turf. “

Dr Stephanie Bird, an entomologist at the Royal Horticultural Society, who helped fund the research, said: “This research highlights the importance of gardens in supporting the pollinating insects. and how gardeners can make a positive impact through their planting decisions Gardens should not be seen in isolation – instead they are a network of resources that offer valuable habitats and preparations when maintained by pollinators of the mind. “

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Paper

‘Increasing nectar production by flowering plants in urban and rural landscapes’ by NETew et al in Journal of Ecology

Notes to editors

A range of photographs, including caption and credit details, can be found here:

https: //drive.Google.com /drive /packs /1P8BZDDB7Ry1UW5RxASd2KihVypQpMotf? Usp =divided

Nicholas Tew is available for interview. For interview requests and any other related questions, please email: [email protected] and / or [email protected]