All-Ireland Pollinator Plan: March 2025 newsletter
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 Newsletter: March 2025 The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is a framework bringing together different sectors across the island of Ireland to create a landscape where pollinators can survive and thrive. Its implementation is coordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre. |
To spot this month: keep an eye out for the Hairy-footed Flower Bee This species was first spotted in March 2022 in Harold’s Cross in Dublin City. It is a large solitary bee, but can look like a bumblebee. The males and females can be different to each other. The female can resemble a small black bumblebee with distinctive orange hairs on the hind leg. In Britain, it shows a preference for Lungwort. Males have light brown/ginger hairs all over their body and cream markings on their face. They also have distinctive long orange hairs on their middle legs and feet, which is where the species gets its name. Their quick darting flight motion is a good way to tell them apart from bumblebees. Keep an eye out and send a photo if you think you find any new populations this spring!  Submit your solitary bee sightings Information on the species in Britain To do this month: consider taking part in the All-Ireland Bumblebee Monitoring Scheme Within the National Biodiversity Data Centre, we have been monitoring bumblebees since 2012, through a citizen science scheme called the Bumblebee Monitoring Scheme. Volunteers within this scheme walk a fixed ~1km route once a month from March to October and count the number of different bumblebees they spot. Beginners are very welcome, but it does require a time commitment in learning how to identify the different bee species. This scheme has been slowly building through our amazing volunteers, but we still need to add another 20 walks over the coming years. March is the best time for beginners to join, as in early spring there will be fewer different species for you to learn to identify. If interested in becoming a volunteer, you can take our free course in identifying bumblebees which also explains how the scheme works. On an island scale, the scheme helps us understand if bumblebees are increasing or declining. At site levels, it’s a great way to assess the impact of actions you are taking in support of the Pollinator Plan. If you decide you’d like to give it a try, please email me directly so that I can add you to my mailing list to receive the Monitoring Scheme monthly newsletter with hints and tips.  Bumblebee Monitoring Scheme website Free online bumblebee identification course New online course: Managing School Grounds for Biodiversity The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is delighted to launch a new online course ‘Managing School Grounds for Biodiversity’, developed in collaboration with the Department of Education in the Republic of Ireland. It is available through the National Biodiversity Data Centre online learning platform. This free course is aimed at caretakers, groundskeepers, and those responsible for caring for school grounds. From pesticide alternatives to plant lists, biodiversity-friendly mowing tips to ideas on getting the school community involved, this is an opportunity for any school wanting to manage their grounds for nature, no matter their size, space, or previous experience.  Read more and access the free course Flower-Insect Timed Counts: 2024 report Flower-Insect Timed Counts (FIT Counts) is a citizen science scheme that collects information on the numbers of flower-visiting insects. Volunteers watch a 50cm x 50cm patch of flowers for 10 minutes and count how many insects visit. The scheme runs from April to September and can be carried out anywhere e.g., garden, farm, park, school. In 2024, 784 validated FIT Counts were submitted by 135 different volunteers. Thank you to everyone who submitted FIT Counts. Your continued efforts and support will help assess changes in the numbers of flower visiting insects. In 2024, the average number of insects per FIT Count was 7 (down from 9 in 2023). The most common insect group recorded were hoverflies, and the most common habitat FIT Counts were carried out in was grassland with wildflowers.  See the newsletter for results of the scheme in 2024 FIT Count website Solitary Bees for beginners In preparation for solitary bees reappearing to brighten up our lives again, now is a great time to learn about some of the common species. We have lots of National Biodiversity Data Centre resources to help.  Solitary Bees of Ireland poster Solitary Bees for Beginners Submit your ideas for the next All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2026-2030 The next version of the AIPP will be developed across 2025. We want the next Plan to be the most ambitious yet. Please submit your ideas/suggestions – however big, small or radical! Submit ideas at any time and as often as you like.  Submit your ideas    The National Biodiversity Data Centre is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Register Number: 730718. National Biodiversity Data Centre, SETU West Campus, Carriganore, Waterford, Ireland, X91PE03 |
