Coinciding with National Insect Week, the results of an eight-year study into the relationship between robust commercial farming and thriving pollinator populations have been published.
The study was a collaboration with farmers and a farmland ecologist, with the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) and the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH). Its aim to gauge the connection between farming practices and pollinators.
Commissioned by BASF. Pollinators in Practice: Connecting crops and pollinators with practical on-farm solutions demonstrates that robust commercial farming and thriving pollinator populations can co-exist, the company says.
Visiting every three to four weeks between 2018 and 2024, farmland ecologist Marek Nowakowski recorded the presence of flowering plants and pollinators across the 850ha arable farm, The Grange, Northamptonshire. Here, he documented 89 species of unsown plants, and 83 sown species, as well as 22 butterfly species and 35 bee species.
“Pollinators in Practice distils our collective learning. Not only does it share the findings of the study, but it is a comprehensive, data-backed guide to enhancing pollinator populations on UK farms,” explains Rob Gladwin, BASF head of technical management.
The study bridges the gap between research and practice, suggests BASF, demonstrating that hedgerow preservation, wildflower meadow rotation and other habitat enhancements are proven strategies that can be incorporated into commercial farming with tangible benefits.
“Pollinators are estimated to contribute £680 million annually to UK agriculture, fertilising everything from oilseed rape to strawberries,” says host farmer William Pitts, underscoring the financial necessity of conservation efforts.
Commenting on the project, Marek notes: “This long-term study shows three key points. Firstly, the vital unbroken supply of pollen and nectar. The Spring delivery from unsown plants and summer supply from mainly sown flowers. Secondly, pollinators can thrive on an intensive arable unit if there is a range of quality habitats. And thirdly, practical guidance for others to follow.”
Beyond the trial results, Pollinators in Practice offers practical advice and actionable tips. “Managing wildlife habitats requires different knowledge and skills to farming,” says William.
“Agriculture can make a measurable difference to the UK’s biodiversity. Pollinators in Practice offers practical signposts, showing other farmers how to navigate the path toward profitable environmental stewardship. We hope it inspires more conversations, and importantly, action,” adds Rob
To view the full report, please visit: https://www.agricentre.basf.co.uk/Documents/BASF-Pollinator-booklet.pdf?1782223511712
