Researchers have found that gardens provide a consistent and dependable source of nectar throughout the year, aiding in the nourishment of pollinators when agricultural sources are scarce.
This continual nectar availability implies that even small garden areas in rural settings can support pollinator populations, especially during early spring and late summer, seasons when nectar becomes limited.
In a study published today in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, scientists from the University of Bristol revealed that gardens can contribute between 50% and 95% of the total nectar during these crucial periods.
Dr. Thomas Timberlake, the lead author from Bristol’s School of Biological Sciences, commented: “It is well established that gardens and urban regions can be excellent habitats for pollinators like bees, flies, and butterflies. Previous studies indicate that cities often host a greater diversity and abundance of pollinators compared to agricultural areas.
“Furthermore, there is evidence that pollinator populations thrive better in rural locales when they are near small towns or villages. Thus, while we understand gardens benefit pollinators, the reasons behind it remain somewhat unclear.
“Our research aimed to uncover precisely what characteristics of gardens are advantageous for pollinators.”
The research team assessed the nectar supply, which is vital for pollinators, in gardens and farmlands throughout the year. Although gardens only account for a relatively minor portion of nectar in rural regions (less than 15%), their reliability and consistent nectar availability significantly enhance their value to pollinators. In contrast, nectar from farmland can often vanish during certain months, which can leave pollinators struggling to find food.
Over 90% of farmland in Great Britain is located within one kilometer of a garden, allowing many insects living in nearby farmland to access the flowers in home gardens. When gardens are managed with pollinator health in mind, their positive influence can spread far beyond the garden boundaries, benefiting pollinator populations across the nation.
Dr. Timberlake added: “Many individuals feel overwhelmed by the challenge of addressing biodiversity loss, believing that it’s too large an issue for one person to impact. However, our findings demonstrate that individual actions can lead to significant changes.
“People can foster pollinator health in their gardens and nearby farmland by ensuring their gardens feature pollinator-friendly flowers that bloom all year round, particularly in early spring and late summer when pollinators are most in need.”
The team plans to identify which specific plants best address these seasonal food shortages and whether gardens should be included in future environmental programs. If research shows that gardens provide greater benefits to pollinators than some farmland habitats, increasing the number of pollinator-friendly gardens in rural areas could assist in combating the decline of pollinator populations.
Dr. Timberlake concluded: “In a country like the UK, where towns and villages dot the countryside, gardens may be playing a more critical role in supporting pollinators than we previously understood.
“For the 27 million gardeners in the UK, this study underscores the significant impact their gardens can have in reversing the decline of pollinators.”
