We invite business supporters to follow the specific AIPP evidence-based ‘Businesses: actions to help pollinators’.

Start with the Checklist Pages 34-35 and use the companion resources to help in decision-making.

Download by clicking on the image below.

We ask you to deliver ONE action in Year 1 of joining, TWO actions or more from Year 2 onwards.

No physical footprint? There are communication actions which you can deliver through your value chain to support pollinators-biodiversity.

Remember each of the actions in the Checklist e.g., reduced mowing (and lift the cuttings) is evidence-based.

If it is not on this Checklist it is probably not an evidence-based biodiversity action.

Review Page 21 of ‘Businesses: actions to help pollinators’ to identify what to avoid when starting out on your biodiversity journey.

Things to Bee Aware of..

Wildflower Seed Mixes – sowing wildflower seed mixes is NOT a biodiversity action, it is a horticultural action.

• Many wildflower seed mixes are non-native seed and may contain invasive species such as Black Grass – potentially devastating for our agricultural land. Native wildflower seed mixes may contain a high percentage of annuals and will therefore need re-sown next year.
• The AIPP recommends allowing wildflowers to grow naturally through a reduce-mowing regime (and lift the cuttings). READ MORE HERE
• To create small natural wildflower areas/meadows choose a specific mowing regime. REMEMBER to cut and lift the cuttings thereby reducing soil fertility and allowing our native wildflowers to grow naturally. To create a meadow on your business site review the Meadow guidelines.
• CORPORATE GIFTS: Wildflower seed mixes (bulk/ seed packets/ seed ball type products are NOT considered helpful to the island’s landscape. Please consider herbs, bulbs or perennials if you are gifting/sponsoring to staff/suppliers or guests/customers. 

Honeybee hives/apiary – this is NOT a biodiversity action

• To have honeybee hives is NOT a biodiversity action.
• There is one Honeybee species, a managed pollinator, and NOT under threat on this island.
• Increased numbers of honeybees may create competition for food in certain areas for wild bees. READ MORE HERE.
• Wonderful as a hobby, and in small numbers, if you are thinking of hives please seek expert advice from your local beekeeping association.
• N.B. All of the national bee keeping associations are Partners of the AIPP.