Pollinator workshop planned

Pic: Cindy Gustafson.

An advice evening on the importance of pollination will be held in Keadeen Hotel on 28 March, beginning at 7.30pm, writes Brian Byrne.

The event is aimed at informing Tidy Towns groups in Kilcullen, Newbridge and Naas about pollination, an essential process in nature to keep plant species in existence.

Organised by Wild Kildare and Kildare County Council, the All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020 will be discussed by the plan's project officer Juanita Browne. She will offer suggestions on how individuals and community groups can get involved.

There has been a huge decline in insect populations in recent decades, including important pollinators like bees, hoverflies, moths and butterflies.

Pollinating agents also include birds, bats, water, wind ... and even plants themselves when self-pollination occurs within a closed flower.

Bees are particularly important pollinators, and the collapse of bee colonies which has happened in many parts of the world is a growing cause for concern amongst agriculturalists and environmentalists.

Pic: Sim Klipp.

Butterflies are also important pollinators, and the number of different varieties of butterfly in an area is an indicator of biodiversity of local plant life. They have also been in decline in many areas, especially through deforestation.

It is believed that pollinator decline may be caused by habitat destruction, pesticide, parasitism and diseases, and climate change. Some particularly destructive land use changes are also suspected agents.

A report on a Kilcullen-based plan to provide beehives in the community is the main story on the Kilcullen Page of the Kildare Nationalist tomorrow.


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