Be(e) part of the 2014 Pollinator Survey on 8 June
For the third consecutive year, the National Farm Pollinator Survey will be a key element of Open Farm Sunday.
For the third consecutive year, the National Farm Pollinator Survey will be a key element of Open Farm Sunday. Led by scientists from the NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), this important research is helping to build a greater understanding of the role insects play in pollinating crops. LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), the organiser of Open Farm Sunday is calling on farmers to take part in the survey and partner with local experts such as entomologists and wildlife enthusiasts, to help visitors get involved and get counting insects on the 8th June.
Visitors to farms participating in the Pollinator Survey on Open Farm Sunday farms will be asked to count the number and type of insects they see in different habitats – both field margins and crops. Scientists from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology will be supported on farms by fellow experts from the British Ecological Society and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, but key to the success of the survey is the widespread participation of the public and local experts.
Insects like bees, wasps, hoverflies and butterflies are critical for the growth of 80% of crops like fruit and vegetables that are vital to British farmers. Annabel Shackleton, Open Farm Sunday Manager at LEAF said: “We are delighted that this excellent example of citizen science is once again a part of Open Farm Sunday. However we know that both the results of the survey and visitors’ experience are enhanced when it is run by a team of experts – which is why we would like to encourage farmers to invite scientists, entomologists and wildlife enthusiasts along on the day to take part, by contacting local organisations or universities. We can provide posters, children’s activity sheets and other collateral to help with the survey too.”
Dr Helen Roy from CEH, who is leading the research in conjunction with LEAF said: “It has been wonderful to see so many people getting involved with the Pollinator Survey over the last few years. By working together we have counted tens of thousands of insects and as by collecting information year on year we can begin to explore the patterns in the ecology of insects on farmland. The more volunteers we have on each farm the better, so I hope many of my fellow insect experts and enthusiasts will join up with their local farm.”
There is still time for farmers to register for Open Farm Sunday which can be done by visiting www.farmsunday.org. You can also order resources and find out more about the Pollinator Survey.
The National Pollinator Survey is supported by Cotswold Seeds who supply a wide range of seeds to farmers to help them create the best possible habitats for wildlife.
