We need pollinators to grow many of the fruits and vegetables that make up a balanced diet. The wildflowers that provide us with colour and beauty in our landscape also need pollinators, as do many of your garden plants. 

To find out how you can help in your own garden, see:  Gardens: actions to help pollinators

Most pollination in Ireland is carried out by bees. This is because bees feed their young exclusively on pollen so are entirely focussed on collecting it from flowers to bring back to their nests. In Ireland, we have 98 different types of bee: the honeybee, 20 different bumblebees and 77 different solitary bees. In providing us with the service of pollination, these bees are helped by other insects like hoverflies, butterflies and moths. 

Unfortunately, pollinators are in trouble. We know that one third of Irish bee species are threatened with extinction. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020 is an island-wide attempt to help pollinators by creating a landscape where they can survive and thrive. All of us have a role to play in the Pollinator Plan, and gardens of any size can make a big difference. 

These guidelines are aimed at anyone that wants to make their outdoor space more pollinator friendly. No matter the size, if your garden has pollinator friendly flowers it will provide a pit stop for hungry bees. Whether you have just a few window boxes, a medium or large garden, or are involved in a community garden, you’ll find pollinator friendly actions here that relate to your space. We have suggested no or low-cost actions, ranging from very simple to slightly more involved, so you can pick the ones that suit you best.

To find out how you can help in your own garden, see:  Gardens: actions to help pollinators