Pollinators
Pollinators are animals that move pollen between different parts of a flower and between flowers. The movement of this pollen allows the plant to be fertilised and therefore to produce fruit and seeds.
Our pollinators include bees, moths, flies, butterflies, wasps and beetles. They provide a vital, free service so our crops grow and our gardens and countryside are full of a variety of colourful plants. Our soft fruit industry is heavily reliant on these little insects, but they are under threat from factors such as habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use.
Since 1980, the trend for pollinators shows an overall decrease of 30%. If our agricultural industry had to use hand pollination instead of insect pollination it would cost an estimated £1.8 billion a year in the UK.
We have a plan for how we can improve the habitats and food sources for pollinators in Kent to reverse their rapid decline, and advice for how you can help too.
Pollinator news
Discover regular pollinator blogs on the Explore Kent and Kent Wildlife Trust websites to keep up to date with what is happening in the county and find out more about how you can help.
View the results of the pollinator public perception survey carried out in May 2021.