Pollinators in October
Which pollinators are active this month? What plants are they visiting? And what can you do to help them? Here’s everything you need to know about pollinators in October.
Which pollinators can I spot in October?
Buff-tailed bumblebee (Ciaran Taylor) (Bombus terrestris) |
Common Nettle-tap (Ruth Wilson) (Anthophila fabriciana) |
Common Wasp
(Vespula (Paravespula) vulgaris) |
Common Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax) |
If you spot any of these species, submit your sightings to the National Biodiversity Data Centre. You can attach a photo if you’re not sure if your identification is correct.
Which native plants are growing in October?
As autumn goes on, some plants are still in bloom, offering important supplies of nectar and pollen as the weather gets colder. Native plants are the best source of food for our pollinators as they have evolved together. Keep an eye out for some of these species in October.
Ivy (Zoë Devlin) (Hedera hibernica) |
Perennial Sowthistle (Zoë Devlin) (Sonchus arvensis) |
Dandelion (Taraxacum agg.) |
Yarrow (Zoë Devlin) (Achillea millefolium) |
Submit your sightings to the National Biodiversity Data Centre. You can attach a photo if you’re not sure if you have the correct identification.
A warning about wildflower seed mixes: Wildflower seed mixes can do more harm than good to biodiversity. They often result in colourful displays that are attractive to humans but are of little value to pollinators. Many contain non-native species and can inadvertently introduce invasive species. Please avoid using them where possible. The best way to encourage native wildflowers is by reducing mowing.
How can I help pollinators in October?
1. Gather seed for trees
Native trees of local provenance are the best choice for biodiversity. With the beautiful autumnal colours starting to appear, this is the perfect time to start collecting seeds from our native trees. The Rowan, Hawthorn and Elder berries are looking splendid at this time of year, and the flowers from these native trees are a valuable food source for our pollinators in the spring.
Collecting and growing seeds from healthy trees in Ireland is the best way to ensure that local trees can flourish and gaps are restored with native species. This is especially important at a time when trees and native plants are under attack from imported pests and diseases.
Find out how to sustainably gather native seeds from trees in this blog by our Farmland Officer:
2. Plant ornamental pollinator-friendly bulbs
Native plants are always the best choice for our pollinators as they have evolved alongside each other, and so are perfectly adapted to give each other what they need. But some non-native ‘ornamental’ species can supplement this food supply when planted in the right places. Certain types of bulbs can be a valuable source of nectar and pollen at times of year when other food is scarce.
Snowdrops, Crocuses, and Grape Hyacinth are among the colourful non-native plants that can brighten up gardens and parks in winter and early spring whilst feeding hungry pollinators. Popular bulbs like Daffodils and Tulips, on the other hand, aren’t great sources of nectar and pollen. Make sure you keep these species to managed settings like gardens and parks, and don’t let them escape into the wider landscape.
Find out more:
3. Learn about late food sources for pollinators
Many pollinators go into hibernation this month. To make sure they survive the winter, they need access to plenty of pollen and nectar. Most flowers have stopped blooming by now, but a few important native species are still in flower. They include Dandelions, Perennial Sowthistle, Ivy and Yarrow.
Ivy was a particular favourite in 2023, with far more sightings of wild bees feeding on this than any other plant. Help protect it and feed our native pollinators by avoiding cutting your hedgerows. If you must cut, do so after Ivy and other native plants have flowered and fruited.
4. Manage or plant an orchard for pollinators
Traditional orchards can be a haven for pollinators and biodiversity, especially if they have species-rich grassland beneath the trees. This habitat contains the native, naturally occurring wildflowers that our pollinators have evolved alongside, and are the best source of pollen and nectar
Autumn is the time to plant a new orchard. Find out which varieties are local to you and consider choosing these for your orchard.
Find out more here:
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