Response to the public consultation on the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan May 2015

This was a public survey done to allow feedback on the draft pollinator plan. 37 responses were received. I think this gives a good indication of the public perception of the implementation of the proposed idea and contains some information that might be relevant to us.  Some points that might be relevant from the survey.

Under question 1, 100% of people were supportive of developing an All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. Under question 2 the Plan scored an average of 3 out of 5 in terms of how confident the respondents were, that over the next five years, this Plan will build a solid foundation to bring about a landscape where pollinators can flourish (1= not confident, 5=very confident).

The emphasis has been changed to better stress the preference for maintaining natural nesting habitat and forage sources within the landscape.

Hedgerows. Many respondents pointed out the importance of good quality hedgerows as a pollinator habitat within the farmed landscape. This is recognised and emphasised in the revised Plan.

Pesticides. Some respondents called for a full ban on the use of pesticides. The Pollinator Plan supports the National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides (2013).

Local seed. Where members of the public want to plant wildflowers in their garden this should be local provenance if possible. It is suggested that training courses in the collection, storage and use of locally collected seed be explored. This has been added as an action.

Better education on pollinators: some respondents raised the issue that some new entrants into beekeeping have taken it up because of a perceived benefit to local pollinator populations. Given the skill and expertise required for healthy beekeeping, they suggested that education programmes be run to show them that they could also benefit local pollinator populations by planting choices in their gardens, reduced mowing regimes on lawns etc.

Centralised education: an early alert system in the case of introduction of exotic diseases and will also help regulate bee movements around the country.

Baseline studies and monitoring: Widespread participation in the Bumblebee Monitoring Scheme should be encouraged and supported by training and resources.

One issue that seems to be repeated on every question is that there wasn’t enough engagement with other stakeholders. This points at a lack of communication between the business and organizations that are getting involved and the general public. Something we could also consider.

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