Without pollination, much life would not survive
One out of every three mouthfuls of our food depends on pollination. Without butterflies, bees, hoverflies, and other insects visiting flowers we would have very little to eat. Wildflowers and many birds and mammals depend on pollination to survive. Globally this pollination service has an economic value of approximately £120 billion and a value to the UK alone in the region of £690 million each year.
Many pollinators are also beautiful, fascinating and marvellous.
Look out for the Chalkhill Blue butterfly, Hummingbird Hawk moth, Red-tailed bumblebee, Ruby-tailed wasp and Marmalade hoverfly. Great places to see them are our surrounding chalk downland such as Malling Down but you might find some in suitable green spaces in the middle of town too.
Our pollinators are in trouble
Pollinators need healthy ecosystems to thrive but bees, moths and butterflies have all declined by 65 – 70% over recent decades. Why? Habitat loss and pesticides are major factors.
How can we help?
• Lewes District Council has agreed to stop using pesticides where possible. Let’s make our own gardens pesticide-free too.
• Wildflower Lewes, a community group, is planting wild flowers in our green spaces and verges – and encouraging good management too.
• We can make our gardens more wildlife friendly.
• Support Lewes Community Allotment, Baxters Field and the Railway Land Wildlife Trust.
• Support B-Lines joining wildlife rich areas.
• Buy local organic food.
For more information visit Wildflower Lewes: www.facebook.com/wildflowerlewes