They have been springing up across the islands since 2017. Dozens of spaces dedicated to wild flowers and plants allowed to take root and go wild in the little plots they occupy.
These are pollinator patches. To some, they may appear overgrown or unkempt areas of ignored land. But look beyond the mix-and-match of shrubbery and they are natural havens to our local pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, moths, wasps and other insects.
We spoke to Pollinator Project to find out why pollinator patches are so important for our bees, and how we can all create a little haven for pollinators in our gardens, patio and outdoor areas.
An ideal place for your pollinator patch would be somewhere that is sheltered with good sunlight.
Plant as many seeds and flowers which generate food for pollinators. Flowers could be local and native or bee-friendly plants such as poppies, borage, lavender and rose geranium.
Let nature do what it does best. If you do have any pests such as greenfly, look for kinder ways to deter them such as washing-up liquid and water mix spray.
For your plants and your pollinators. Make sure you water your pollinator patch often during dry spells. Also, why not make a watering hole for your pollinators too.
Don’t worry. A pollinator patch can be a small garden, patio, window box or flower tray. As long as it is somewhere bees and pollinators can reach.
If you’re unable to build a pollinator patch of your own, why not get in touch with PollinatorProject.gg to see if you can help with their pollinator patches? Or find out if there is a patch in your parish or community.
