Research by geographers at Coventry University has focused on two important aspects of UK biodiversity, the drastic decline of bumblebees and the risk posed by invasive garden plants, through an innovative combination of digital technology and citizen science.
Issue
Since 1930, bumblebee populations have continued to decline due to the loss of 97% of UK wildflower meadowland. Allotments and gardens are becoming increasingly important habitats, but little is known about which species use these spaces or which flowering plants are the most important sources of nectar and pollen.
A 2020 assessment of UK biodiversity indicators found that non-native plants outnumber native species, and almost half are horticultural introductions escaped from gardens.
Approach
Research led by geographers at Coventry University provided evidence on bumblebee foraging preferences in UK allotments and gardens. The approach expanded to the ‘Blooms for Bees’ (BfB) project, the first to use an app to engage UK gardeners in timed-count surveys to explore bumblebee floral preferences.
To address issues of invasive species, the team pilot-tested the globally first citizen science study for gardeners demonstrating they could be directly involved in identifying invasive ornamental plants. The tool ‘Plant Alert’ was recommended to be permanently available to allow gardeners to submit records of invasive species.
Impact
Coventry University’s research has led to increased awareness and to people changing their gardening behaviour to support biodiversity. Blooms for Bees trained several thousand members of the public, and The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) awarded the project a ‘Bees’ Needs Champions Award’ for exemplary initiatives which support pollinators.
Plant Alert raised awareness about invasive ornamental species through national press, generating international interest.
The research has improved the advice and advocacy of wildlife and gardening charities and has been used by both the Royal Horticultural Society and Bumblebee Conservation Trust to strengthen advice on planting to encourage biodiversity.
Non-governmental organizations and UK Government have also integrated the results and tools developed from the research into national strategies for biodiversity protection.
More information
Institution: Coventry University
Researchers: Dr Katharina Dehnen-Schmutz, Gemma Foster, Judith Conroy, Dr James Bennett, Professor Tim Sparks, Dr Barbara Smith