Griffiths-Lee2022_Article_SownMini-meadowsIncreasePollin.pdf (2.58 MB)
Sown mini-meadows increase pollinator diversity in gardens
Version 2 2023-06-12, 07:42
Version 1 2023-06-10, 02:46
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 07:42 authored by Janine Griffiths-Lee, Beth NichollsBeth Nicholls, Dave GoulsonDave GoulsonHabitat loss and fragmentation are considered the foremost threats in pollinator decline, and in England and Wales, 97% of wildflower meadows were lost by 1984. The value of creating flower-rich margins in agricultural environments is established, yet there is growing potential to support pollinator populations in urban landscapes. We used citizen science to investigate the effectiveness of small 4m2 sown wildflower ‘mini-meadows’ in UK gardens and allotments in recruiting beneficial insects. Participants were allocated one of three treatment groups: Mix 1 (commercially available ‘meadow mix’); Mix 2 (formulated based on existing literature on pollinator foraging preferences); or Control (no additional wildflowers). All participants conducted insect sampling over two years using standardised pan and sticky trap methods May–August. Samples were returned for identification by trained specialists. Mini-meadows provided resource-rich habitats, increasing wild bee richness and supporting on average 111% more bumblebees, 87% more solitary bees and 85% more solitary wasps in the year following seed-sowing, compared to Control plots. The wildflower mixes were also taxon-specific in their attractiveness. Mix 1 attracted more solitary bees and bumblebees, whereas Mix 2 attracted more solitary wasps. There was no significant difference in the abundance of hoverflies between treatments. Higher abundance of solitary wasps and bees caught amongst the mini-meadow was perhaps due to shorter foraging ranges.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Journal of Insect ConservationISSN
1366-638XPublisher
SpringerExternal DOI
Issue
2Volume
26Page range
299-314Department affiliated with
- Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications
Research groups affiliated with
- Sussex Sustainability Research Programme Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2022-03-02First Open Access (FOA) Date
2022-04-11First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2022-03-02Usage metrics
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