Pollinators in September
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 September.
Which pollinators can I spot in September?
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Box-headed Blood Bee (Steven Falk) (Sphecodes monilicornis) |
Heather Colletes Bee (Steven Falk) (Colletes succinctus) |
Furry Peat Hoverfly
(Arctophila superbiens) |
Ivy Bee (Steven Falk) (Colletes hederae) |
Common Carder Bee (Steven Falk) (Bombus pascuorum) |
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 September?
The bloom of summer is over, but there are still some native plants providing vital sources of nectar and pollen this month. 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 September.
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Devil’s-bit Scabious (Zoë Devlin) (Succisa pratensis) |
Heather (Zoë Devlin) (Calluna vulgaris) |
Wild Angelica (Zoë Devlin) (Angelica sylvestris) |
Hedge Woundwort (Zoë Devlin) (Stachys sylvatica) |
Water mint (Zoë Devlin) (Mentha aquatica) |
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 September?
1. Mow your meadow
Meadows are crucial habitats for pollinators, filled with a rich blend of native wildflowers and beneficial grasses. If you manage a long-flowering meadow (a grassy area that is cut once a year), now is the time to mow. By now, the wildflower seeds in your meadow will have dropped and returned to the soil. It is vital that the grass is removed. Flower-rich meadows will only develop on sites with low soil fertility. Removing grass cuttings each autumn allows the soil fertility to slowly decrease. This gives flowers a chance to compete with the more dominant grasses. The less fertile the soil, the more flower-rich your meadow will be.
Cutting later than September is fine, but the weather may make things more difficult (it is easier to cut when the ground isn’t too wet). Better weather also gives the cut grass a chance to dry – it’s much easier to lift dry grass.
Small areas where grass growth is not very thick can be cut with a scythe or strimmer. In gardens, most lawn mowers can cope with small areas of longer grass. Initially set the blades at their highest setting and then do a second cut at a lower height. Larger areas may require specialised equipment, or an arrangement with a local farmer to cut and bale the grass.
A mix of grass lengths is the ideal way to support biodiversity. Consider leaving some areas totally uncut for overwintering insects and mammals to nest.
Find out more:
2. Learn about hedgerows as ecological corridors
Hedgerows are among the most precious habitats we have on the island of Ireland. They are made up of native trees, shrubs and flowers, and are important ecological corridors, providing safe passage for insects, birds and mammals through our landscape.
But they can only be a resource for biodiversity if they are managed properly. Blossom and berries are a vital food source for insects and birds, but they will only grow on older wood. Avoid cutting annually (aim for every three years instead), and delay cutting your hedgerows as late as possible so plants like Ivy and Bramble can flower and fruit.
Find out more:
3. Learn about how communities are helping pollinators
Pollinators are in decline on the island of Ireland, but our records show that local populations are increasing where actions are being taken to help them. This is largely thanks to the hard work of dedicated local groups who are changing the way they manage their communities for the benefit of pollinators and people.
There are many ways communities can help pollinators and biodiversity. Many actions are low-cost or free. From lawn-art competitions to neighbourhood pollinator pathways, dispersed urban orchards and bee gardens, to entering the Tidy Towns Local Authority Pollinator Award, find out how communities are helping create a landscape where pollinators can survive and thrive.
Find out more:
- Case studies: communities helping pollinators
- Local communities: actions to help pollinators
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Watch this video to hear from previous winners of the Tidy Towns Local Authority Pollinator Award:
4. Last chance to do a FIT Count
September is your last chance this year to become a citizen scientist and help us keep track of insect populations by doing a Flower-Insect-Timed (FIT) Count. Take a mindful 10 minutes, sit in front of a patch of flowers and count how many insects visit. Send us your results online or use our free FIT Count app.
5. 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:
Find out more