2016

CIRENCESTER POLLINATOR STRATEGY

A better place to bee!

“A living document” SCOTT PROBERT Cirencester Pollinator Plan

Foreword by Scott Probert

The aim of this document is to promote discussion around ways in which we can make Cirencester a better place to bee!

Four generations of my family live in Cirencester and, with the exception of my time at university, I have spent my whole life as a resident of this town. I’ve seen Cirencester change quite a lot during this time, with the arrival of the out of town supermarkets, the construction of new homes and the development of new office blocks. Cirencester is growing and I’m concerned that some of the little things are being left behind!

I have been interested in natural history for as long as I can remember; however, having graduated from Reading University with a degree in Earth Science in 2000, I have spent the last fifteen years working in Financial Services. I will however be returning to full-time education in September 2016 to study for a Foundation degree in British Wildlife Conservation at the Royal Agricultural University; this is a vocational qualification aimed at developing the practical skills required for a career within the conservation sector - my BumblebeeWatching blog has some more background information about my interests.

As an offshoot from my wildlife gardening hobby I created a #BumblebeeWatching Twitter and Facebook pages to share my success stories and interact with likeminded people, through which I have also become increasingly aware of the issues affecting our wild pollinators. More recently I have started to think about how I can do more to help. Inspired by the work of my friend Brigit Strawbridge in her home town of Shaftsbury, I wondered whether some similar ‘bee-friendly’ initiatives could be implemented in Cirencester.

I contacted Cirencester town council to enquire about related pollinator friendly actions, and to find out more about the ways in which our green spaces are managed, and was directed towards the Cirencester Green Spaces Strategy. The following is a collection of thoughts and ideas regarding the value of our green spaces, for people and wildlife, and possible ways in which the residents of Cirencester could work together to make Cirencester a better place to bee! Scott Probert

The pictures contained within this document were all taken in my small wildlife garden, proof positive that little changes can have a big impact.

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Cirencester Pollinator Plan

Contents

Setting the Scene...... 2 National Strategies ...... 2 Regional Strategies ...... 3 People and Wildlife...... 4 Nature Deficit Disorder ...... 4 Natures' Health Service ...... 4 A Natural Childhood...... 4 A Healthy Habitat ...... 5 Pesticides...... 7 1. Raising Awareness...... 9 2. Public Engagement ...... 11 3. Habitat Creation...... 13 Land use types ...... 15 Parks and Gardens...... 15 Natural and Semi-natural green spaces...... 15 Allotments...... 16 Private Gardens...... 17 Churchyards and Graveyards...... 18 Educational Facilities ...... 18 Amenity land and green corridors ...... 19 Local businesses ...... 20 Appendix...... 21 Wild plants...... 21 Wildlife Garden Plants...... 24 Garden Plants ...... 25 Bumblebee Plants (easy to maintain)...... 26 Edible Plants ...... 27 Large Plants...... 28 Butterfly Plants...... 28 References ...... 31

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SETTING THE SCENE

Conserving and enhancing the diversity of Cirencester’s habitats and green spaces for the benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of local Figure 1. Leafcutter Bee (Megachile Sp.) people.

The town of Cirencester lies on the south-eastern margin of the Cotswold Hills, just outside the Cotswold area of outstanding natural beauty - the largest of the 38 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales.

The close relationship between the geology, topography and agriculture is particularly marked in Cirencester. The area is dominated by middle Jurassic limestones and mudstones, and terrace deposits from the river churn, giving rise to calcareous fine loamy and clayey soils.

These clay soils produce particularly rich neutral grasslands, home to many diverse populations of invertebrates and native flora. However, this habitat and the pollinator populations they support are sadly under threat. In the 1930’s, 40% of the Cotswolds was covered in wildflower rich limestone grassland. Today, fewer than 3,000 hectares remain - only 1.5% of the total area. [27]

National Strategies [23]

Thankfully the government has taken steps to address these losses; in 1992 the UK was one of 150 countries that signed up to the Convention of Biological Diversity at the Earth Summit in Rio. To demonstrate its commitment to this The National Indicator for convention, the UK government subsequently published the UK Biodiversity (NI 197) Biodiversity Action Plan in 1994. Ten years later, following public support for the Friends of the Earth’s Bee Cause campaign, the The new National Performance government then produced the National Pollinator Strategy with Indicator (NI 197) for biodiversity the specific aim of protecting pollinating insects. requires local authorities to report on

‘the proportion of Local Sites where Some of the key aims of this document are listed below: positive conservation management

has been, or is being, implemented’ Supporting pollinators across towns, cities and the countryside: regardless of whether they have • Working with large-scale landowners, and their advisers, chosen it as a performance contractors and facility managers, to promote simple changes to improvement target in their Local Area land management to provide food, shelter and nest sites. Agreements. • Ensuring good practice to help pollinators through initiatives with a wide range of organisations and professional networks including managers of public and amenity spaces, utility and transport companies, brownfield site managers, local authorities, developers and planners. • Encouraging the public to take action in their gardens, allotments, window boxes and balconies to make them pollinator-friendly or through other opportunities such as community gardening and volunteering on nature reserves.

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Raising awareness of what pollinators need to survive and thrive: • Developing and disseminating further advice to a wide range of land owners, managers and gardeners as part of Bees’ Needs. (Grow more flowers, shrubs & trees, Let it grow wild, Don't disturb insect nests and hibernation spots, Cut grass less often, Think carefully about whether to use pesticides) • Improving the sharing of knowledge and evidence between scientists, conservation practitioners and non-government organisations (NGOs) to ensure that actions taken to support pollinators are based on up-to- date evidence. Figure 2. Red Mason Bee (Osmia bicornis)

Improving evidence on the status of pollinators and the service they provide: • Developing a sustainable long-term monitoring programme so we better understand their status, the causes of any declines and where our actions will have most effect. • Improving our understanding of the value and benefits pollinators provide, and how resilient natural and agricultural systems are to changes in their populations.

Regional Strategy [1]

In 2011 the Cirencester Green Spaces Strategy (2011 to 2021) was published, with the aim of improving Cirencester’s green spaces for wildlife and local people. Some of the key recommendations proposed in this document (listed below) tie in with national strategy and could be considered for inclusion within the development of a local biodiversity plan.

11.2 Establish a baseline of key local UK Priority Species under the NERC act and monitor every 5 years. 11.5 Set up a regular monitoring system to determine trends in the indicator species and establish a programme to train volunteers to take part 11.6 Develop environmental programmes aimed at education, stewardship and management that build resources in the local community to seek to improve the natural signature. Develop a programme to train volunteers to monitor indicator species. Partners could include BTCV and the Neighbourhood Partnership and community groups. 11.7 Work in partnership with the Royal Agricultural College to deliver Natural Connection projects through their Heritage Foundation Degree and Countryside Management Degree. 11.8 Use the Town Council website to make information about Cirencester’s natural signature available to the public and to encourage involvement in environmental programmes. 17.2 Work with local education providers (public and private) to develop more and better ways for local people to access nature in Cirencester. 17.4 Work with local primary and secondary schools to develop a “natural laboratory” and learning package to deliver the curriculum, working with local community organisations and key stakeholders.

The Cirencester Green Spaces Strategy is scheduled for a five year review in 2016; the development of a local biodiversity Figure 3.

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Cirencester Pollinator Plan initiative would be a great way of demonstrating commitment to some of the strategies key ‘Well-meaning, protective house arrest’ recommendations as well as meeting national biodiversity targets.  Fewer than a quarter of children regularly use their local ‘patch of nature’, compared People and Wildlife to over half of all adults when they were As well as benefiting wildlife, a local biodiversity children. initiative can also have a positive impact on local residents. Taking part in a wildlife project can increase  Fewer than one in ten children regularly people’s confidence and pride in an area. Studies have play in wild places; compared to almost half also shown that children are physically and mentally a generation ago. healthier and communities are more cohesive and connected when there’s a closer relationship with the  Children spend so little time outdoors that natural world. they are unfamiliar with some of our commonest wild creatures. According to a ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’ 2008 National Trust survey, one in three Nature Deficit Disorder describes the human costs of could not identify a magpie; half could not alienation from nature, among them: diminished use of tell the difference between a bee and a the senses, attention difficulties, and higher rates of wasp; yet nine out of ten could recognise a physical and emotional illnesses. Dalek. [17] If we do not reverse this trend towards a sedentary, indoor childhood we risk storing up all sorts of social, medical and environmental problems for the future. The two are of course also inextricably linked: greater physical activity promotes better mental health, and a sedentary childhood leads to more mental health problems.

‘Nature’s health service'

Nature is more or less a free resource, which offers many low-cost benefits for children and families, with so many benefits to the local population it would be nonsensical for local government authorities to ignore the benefits.

A recent National Trust survey On average, Britain’s children watch more revealed that 80% than 17 hours of television a week: that’s of the happiest almost two-and-a-half hours per day, people in the UK every single day of the year. Despite the said that they have rival attractions of the Internet, this is up a strong connection by 12% since 2007. with the natural British children are also spending more Figure 4. Ashy Mining-bee (Andrena Cineraria) world, compared with less than 40% than 20 hours a week online, mostly on social networking sites. of the unhappiest. [17] As children grow older, their ‘electronic A natural childhood for Cotton Wool Kids addictions’ increase. Britain’s 11–15-year- In the same way that conservation should start from the ground olds spend about half their waking lives in up, efforts to engage public interest should take a ground up front of a screen: 7.5 hours a day, an approach by engaging young hearts and minds. increase of 40% in a decade. [17]

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“Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is as valuable to the child as it is to the caterpillar.” – Bradley Miller

Compared with man-made playgrounds, the natural world is highly complex, with lots of places to hide and explore; it is untidy, which may be off-putting for some adults, but adds to its attraction for children; and above all it is dynamic, varying from day to day, season to season and year to year.

Outdoor learning gives children a direct experience of the subject, making it more interesting and enhancing their understanding. They learn differently, experiencing improvements in four specific ways:

 Cognitive Impacts (greater knowledge and understanding)  Affective Impacts (attitudes, values, beliefs and self-perceptions)  Interpersonal and Social Impacts (communication skills, leadership and teamwork)  Physical and Behavioural Impacts (fitness, personal behaviours and social actions)

Fundamentally these benefits all stem from one important characteristic of the natural world, compared with the virtual alternatives. Unlike them, nature doesn’t come with an instruction manual, or a set range of possible outcomes; instead it holds infinite possibilities.

Tim Gill, one of the UK’s leading commentators on childhood, expands on the significance of this: “Natural places are singularly engaging, stimulating, life-enhancing environments where children can reach new depths of understanding about themselves, their abilities and their relationship with the world around them.”

Reinstate our children’s ‘right to roam’

Every child should have the opportunity to develop a personal connection with the natural world; however, fear is the most potent force that prevents many parents from allowing their children the freedom they themselves enjoyed when they were young. This creeping culture of risk aversion’ is harming children’s preparation for adult life.

Life is full of risk, so the best way to prepare children for life is to ensure they know how to judge risk for themselves (eg. climbing a tree). If children are shielded from any possibility of being in a risky situation, how will they ever know what their safe limits are?

A healthy habitat

However children aren’t able to fully enjoy the benefits of the natural world if there isn’t a healthy biodiverse environment, rich in flora and fauna, to explore. Flowering plans and their pollination partners are ecosystem engineers, without these wonderful creatures our environment would be a lot less interesting.

Wild pollinators in the UK include bumblebees and other bees (250 species), butterflies and moths (2600 species), flies (7010) and various other insects such as beetles, wasps and thrips [15],

These wild pollinators are important for crop pollination, the Honeybee pollination by itself is often unable to deliver sufficient pollen to crops where they are most needed, and is a comparatively minor component in the delivery of crop pollination services to UK agriculture - 2007 honeybee stocks were estimated to be capable of supplying at most 34% of total pollination service demands [24]. It is therefore essential, not only for the health and wellbeing of the natural environment but also our own health and well-being, that we conserve our

Figure 5. Red Mason bee (Osmia bicornis) wild pollinator populations.

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“Vitamin A deficiency is a major human health concern worldwide. Insect-pollinated crops provide about 70% of this vitamin and pollination increases yields of these crops by 43%” [24]

Bees and other pollinators are essential to healthy ecosystems, their hard work fertilises flowers, creating the seeds and fruits that feeds us and other animals and that sustains colour in the countryside.

However, invertebrates are suffering the greatest declines, particularly bees, moths, butterflies, ladybirds and ground beetles. These groups of insects have all declined between 65-70% over recent decades [15]. Many studies are showing that rarer pollinators are becoming rarer, biodiversity is declining, and the natural environment is increasingly becoming dominated by a few common species - our technicolour world is becoming increasingly more monochrome!

Since the 1950s, thirteen species of wild bumblebees (Bombus spp.) have suffered extinction in at least one European country. The UK’s bumblebees have also seen large declines in their populations, and two of our 26 native species have become extinct since the 1940s [24]. The decline of these iconic and charismatic insects can be attributed to multiple pressures including climate change, pathogens, increased use and toxicity of pesticides and loss of habitat, especially flower-rich grasslands.

Of all the issues effecting wild bee populations a major driver is thought to be the degradation, destruction and fragmentation of the many semi-natural habitats in the landscape on which pollinators rely for food sources and breeding sites. This is especially true across temperate regions of the world where wild bee and hoverfly species that are more specialised, nest above ground or have limited dispersal abilities, have been shown to be more vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation [24].

Although the mass flowering crops (e.g. oilseed rape, orchard or soft fruits) typically grown in monoculture can provide abundant sources of nectar or pollen for insect pollinators they do so in a short, synchronous pulse which is unlikely to provide sufficient nutrition for pollinator species that are active throughout the growing season.

Figure 6. Tawny Mining bee (Andrena fulva)

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Pesticides

In 1991, the small town of Hudson in Quebec became a world leader. It was one of the first towns in the world to introduce a local by-law banning pesticides. The ban – on the use of pesticides within the town area – was the result of a grassroots campaign led by local doctor June Irwin. In the 1980s, Dr. Irwin made a connection between the health of her patients and their exposure to pesticides used on lawns and gardens. Dr. Irwin went to every town meeting from May 6, 1985 until Bylaw 270 was passed six years later on May 6, 1991. Today, nearly 200 Canadian towns – including the cities of Vancouver and Toronto are “pesticide-free”. Figure 7. Common Furrow-bee (Losioglossum calceatum) Herbicide use accounts for approximately 94% of pesticide use in UK towns and cities [18]. Most – if not all – of this pesticide use is unnecessary: cost effective and safe non-chemical alternatives exist and are already being used in towns all over the world. In fact Paris has been “pesticide-free” for over a decade.

[Bee pesticide science]

In May 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization) also concluded that glyphosate was probably carcinogenic to humans. The Netherlands and Denmark have both since banned the use of glyphosate in urban areas, while France has banned over the counter sales. Children are particularly susceptible to pesticide exposure, it is therefore imperative that pesticides are never used in playgrounds.

There are many non-chemical techniques available to replace pesticides and deal effectively with weeds in public places. These include mechanical processes, such as flame, foam or hot water treatments; hand weeding with a good old fashioned hoe; or, as they have in Paris, by accepting a higher level of ‘weediness’ Foamstream is a biodegradable foam recommended as a safe way of controlling weeds.

Figure 8. Leafcutter Bee (Megachile Sp.)

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Landscape-scale surveys of wild bees and butterflies in Italy also showed that species richness tends to be lower where pesticide loads and cumulative exposure risk are high [24]. Such correlative patterns may indicate field impacts of pesticides and herbicides on pollinators and their forage plants.

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1 RAISING AWARENESS

This section focuses on ideas for publicising the plight of bees, encouraging residents to help them in their gardens and ways to develop natural connections and key partnerships.

“No one will protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.” - David Attenborough

Eastbourne and Oxford Councils have found that holding a bee summit was a good way to find out who is active on the issue. They invited local nature conservation groups, landowners and other interested parties to come together and discuss what can be done locally to encourage pollinator habitat creation.

Figure 9. Blue mason bee (Osmia caerulescens)

Potential Partners in Cirencester could include:

 Schools  Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust  Gardening and allotment groups  Cirencester Naturalists  Local residents and land owners  Neighbourhood Partnerships  Gardening naturally (Wilkinson Rd, Cirencester)  Royal Agricultural University  Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group  Cotswold Water Park  Bee keepers  Cirencester Council  Dobbies Garden Centre  Cirencester Greens

Existing groups, such as the conservation volunteers, also have their own equipment, insurance and volunteers.

In 2009 the first Bee Guardian University project was launched in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire (to protect and enhance bee diversity around the University's campuses in Cheltenham and Gloucester, and to provide opportunities for students and staff from across disciplines to take part in the research and outreach work of the Bee Guardian Foundation). A similar initiative could work in Cirencester with the Royal Agricultural University.

Possible aims and initiatives:

 Establish a joined-up approach to pollinator conservation in Cirencester

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 Found a local Pollinator Forum (online or in person) to share knowledge and best practice among organisations and community groups  Identification courses to enable people to identify and monitor the abundance and distribution of wild pollinators.  Workshops to increase knowledge and understanding of land management for pollinators.  Conduct Bee walks and talks to raise awareness and increase understanding about wild pollinators.  Develop a biodiversity newsletter and/or web pages to provide advice and updates on current activities and projects.  Take over an empty shop and/or set-up a stall at the Cotswold Show to raise awareness  Biodiversity Information boards at key wildlife sites  Ask local residents to pledge their support, share their wildlife actions and map their locations.  Work with local schools to ensure pollination and pollinator conservation is incorporated in primary school education.  Hold a pollinator photographic competition for adults and college students and an art competition for primary and secondary school children.

Success Indicators:

 Number of events, level of attendance, feedback.  Amount of information supplied - website, blog, newsletter  Number of strategic partners  Number of local residents pledging their support  Number of primary schools pledging their support  Number of entries for competitions

Figure 10. Andrena haemorrhoa

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2 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

This section focuses on ways of getting people to work together and share thoughts, ideas and opinions.

One of the biggest long-term threats to any wildlife Figure 11. Andrena Carantonica conservation strategy is a lack of awareness and value. Education and awareness-raising activities can provide important ways for people to learn about, enjoy and engage with their local wildlife, however to make a measurable difference conservation requires active participation.

Young people are still studying biology and zoology degrees, and many have a keen interest in environmental issues; but according to ecologist Roger Key, few have the practical, hands-on field knowledge of their predecessors. Indeed, a study by Anne Bebbington found that most A-level biology students could not identify more than three wild plants [17]. The construction of a ‘green laboratory’ in Cirencester would surely provide a beneficial environment for future naturalists to develop these skills.

No other country in the world has such a strong tradition of ‘citizen science’, adding hugely to our knowledge and understanding of our natural heritage, and enabling us to safeguard it for the future. Up-to-date, accessible information is essential for conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. Without accurate, reliable knowledge of the location, quality and quantity of priority habitats and species, action cannot be properly focused. Accurate records are also a vital part of the biodiversity process for monitoring progress and measuring success.

The UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme and Countryside Butterfly Surveys have provided reliable long term records for the abundance and distribution of butterfly species. However, there is inadequate study of bumblebees, moths and hoverflies and almost no study of solitary bees, other flies and beetles. In addition, little work is done on wildflower pollination. Consequently there are no existing long term data sets to detect changes in population densities of wild bees and hoverflies, so we have no ability currently to understand the population dynamics of these pollinators. Regular and standardised monitoring of pollinator populations is needed to unequivocally establish whether wild insect pollinators are in decline or not, and what the predominant drivers are likely to be

One of the key aims of the governments National Pollinator Strategy is to develop and test a new systematic and sustainable monitoring framework for pollinators to be implemented by professionals and by using a “citizen science” approach involving volunteers logging observations and gathering other evidence. Conservation groups and schemes involved in the recording and monitoring of pollinator populations are;

Bees Wasps and Ants Recording Society, Hoverfly Recording Scheme, Bumblebee Conservation Trust Bee Watch surveys, Figure 12. Osmia Caerulescens Butterfly Conservation Trust surveys and moth trapping.

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Pollinator habitats should be identified and mapped with the aim of creating a network of habitats that act as stepping stones enabling pollinators to move through urban areas. Before developing and implementing a management plan, surveys should also be conducted to make sure the plan will benefit the species present, as well as the ones it’s designed to benefit.

Possible aims and initiatives:

Develop a Cirencester Biodiversity Action Plan, which will:

 Provide a current overview (baseline) of biodiversity,  Map green spaces, key habitats and species distributions,  Highlight threats and propose possible safeguards,  Encourage best practice conservation techniques,  Encourage education and community involvement,  Promote Cirencester as a naturally beautiful town.

Create a Wildlife Biodiversity Group, which will:

 Oversea the creation of a Biodiversity Action Plan,  Seek strategic partnerships,  Work with neighbourhood partnerships to promote biodiversity conservation,  Share knowledge and encourage community involvement,  Promote the systematic monitoring and recording of wildlife,  Map green spaces, the habitats they contain and the species they support,  Map wildlife friendly gardens to link bee-friendly habitat across the area (bug houses, pesticide free, beneficial planting ect.)  Create a ‘Cirencester Festival of Nature’.

Other possible aims and initiatives:

 Encourage greater environmental education and awareness in schools.  Work with schools to promote pollinator-friendly habitats on school grounds  Hold events for local people to get involved in bee-friendly planting or in making bee hotels  Create awards for the best pollinator garden and/or hold a competition for the best bee-friendly workplace or school garden  Create a ‘green laboratory’ for future naturalists to develop their Figure 13. Andrena Sp. skills

Success Indicators:

 Numbers and quality of visits to natural green spaces  Number of people actively gardening for wildlife and reducing pesticide use  Number of records submitted  Number of sites mapped

Some of the aims and initiatives in this document could also be considered for inclusion within student projects.

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3 HABITAT CREATION

This section focuses on the common goal of habitat creation and developing a structured approach to biodiversity management.

Pollinators require food, a nesting site or larval food plant and places to overwinter.

Where possible local authorities should seek to identify both the potential to restore native wild flowers through changing current management and where no flowers remain, identify where wild flowers can be introduced. New management regimes should also be introduced gradually to parts of a site, avoiding sudden large- scale changes that could be detrimental. Figure 14. Ruby-Tailed Wasp (Chrysis ignita) However, pollinators also require spaces in which to breed and a network of beneficial habitats to allow freedom of movement within the environment. Ponds can be important breeding and feeding habitats for invertebrates (Including many pollinators) and rivers corridors can provide important 'highways' for wildlife. In Bedfordshire, Leighton Linslade Town Council has worked with South Bedfordshire Friends of the Earth's ‘Keep the Buzz in Leighton Buzzard’ project helping residents to create a series of bee-friendly spaces across the town, including along river banks - it's one of the National Pollinator Strategy case studies.

Local Authorities should also consider going completely pesticide free, and stop using pesticides for vanity or cosmetic landscape use, particularly in schools, parks and other public areas. Bumblebees are particularly sensitive to chemicals so the use of pesticides and herbicides should be avoided, if essential use only those based on fatty acids or plant oils and extracts where possible.

Bumblebees

Bumblebees need food plants to provide nectar and pollen between early spring and autumn, they also need some areas of undisturbed tussocky grassland, such as the bottom of hedgerows, for nesting. Foraging and nesting areas should be kept free of pesticides or other activities that could harm bees or wild flowers.

As some bumblebees nest at ground level (in tussocky grass), gardeners can also help by not cutting back and tidying up everywhere; leaving some warm, sheltered areas of rough grass and moss for the Figure 15. Red-tailed cuckoo bumblebee

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Cirencester Pollinator Plan bees. Suitable hibernation places, such flower pots or cool, north facing banks into which bees can burrow, should also be left undisturbed during autumn and winter.

The choice of flowers in formal planting arrangements is also important, many modern highly cultivated double- flowers produce no pollen or nectar and so are of no use to bees or other wildlife. Bees of different species also have different length tongues and so require different types of flower to forage from, a list of suitable flowers is included at the end of this document.

Solitary bees

Solitary bees make their own burrows in loose soil, old walls or use holes in wood, depending on the species. Artificial nests can also be provided for some species and are generally very successful. Nest sites of solitary bees (in the ground, in borders and the lawn, and in wood and plant stems) should be left undisturbed through the winter. It can be useful to mark the site of spring and summer ground nests as they can easily be forgotten about when forking over soil. Where nests occur in bare ground the area should also be kept relatively free of ground covering plants. Figure 16. Wool-carder Bee (Anthidium manicatum)

Most solitary bees cannot fly long distances and look for forage near their nest sites. Native flowers, typically perennials, especially those with small or bunched flowers in the Umbellifer family (Apiaceae), Daisy family (Asteraceae), and Salvia family (Lamiaceae), as well as various kinds of Scabious and Campanulas, are typical of the flowers which should be planted for solitary bees.

Plants

In parks and gardens careful pruning can increase the length of flowering in some species and give a second, later, flush in others (e.g. geranium, red valerian). If space allows, plant in swathes of the same species, allowing bees to easily find and move from flower to flower over a short distance.

Caterpillars of many butterflies typically only feed on one or two species of plant, growing wildflowers is therefore very important for these beautiful invertebrates. Adult butterflies are however far less choosy than their caterpillars and require flowers for nectar or honeydew produced by aphids. Hibernating eggs, caterpillars, chrysalises or adults also require dense vegetation such as grassy tussocks. Management of public open space must also therefore provide shelter and nesting areas for these pollinators.

Potentially invasive non-native species should be controlled. Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) provides a rewarding nectar source and is an established alien plant across the UK and Europe, in England it has a documented positive effect on pollinator community diversity but potentially negative impacts on native plant pollination.

Unfortunately however, legislation regarding invasive species is sometimes over zealously interpreted, regularly at great expense to the tax payer or land owner, resulting in large areas being cleared of important species, to the detriment of local pollinator populations. Figure 17. peacock butterfly (Inachis io)

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Other Invertebrates 77 invertebrate species have been Insects like hoverfly larvae, lacewings and ladybirds are recorded eating Ragwort leaves, or living in predatory. During the larva stage hoverflies will eat large its stems and flowers. More importantly, numbers of aphids, between 500 and 1,000 each [28]. 30 species are entirely dependent on Depending on the weather they can be seen flying in the Ragwort. Ragwort is also an important garden from June through to October and should be nectar source for over one hundred encouraged into private gardens as natural form of pest species of butterflies, bees, moths, flies control. The abundance and diversity of these beneficial and other invertebrates, helping to insects is also an important indication of the success of maintain insect populations generally in organic land management techniques. the UK countryside. [15]

Land use types

Parks and Public Gardens

(Cirencester Park, Cirencester Amphitheatre, 4 Acre Field, 2 Acre Field, Abbey Grounds, Jack Gardiner, St. Michael’s Park, City Bank Recreational Ground, Cricklade Road picnic area, Kingshill Country Park)

Cirencester has over 27 hectares of council owned parks and gardens, current bee-friendly initiatives have included the sowing of pollinator friendly seed mixes at Four Acres field in Chesterton and the inclusion of edible plants and insect friendly shrubs within a landscaping project at Watermoor Corner.

Formal bedding plant arrangements can look spectacular and bringing a dash of colour and interest to public areas. However, many of the plants used produce no nectar or pollen or have complicated flowers that block the bumblebee’s access. Examples of these bumblebee-unfriendly plants include; Figure 18 Geranium (Pelargonium), Pansy, Begonia, Busy Lizzie (Impatiens), Livingstone daisy (Mesembryanthemum), Petunia and Scarlet salvia / Salvia splendens.

Natural and Semi-Natural Green Spaces

(Cirencester Hospital Orchard, Nursery Site at City Bank, City Bank Depot, Opportunity Group Land, Sommerford Road, Hare Bushes)

Naturally colonised sites are best with a varied structure, including short and tall often weedy vegetation, bare ground and scrub; a range of caterpillar foodplants and nectar sources. Habitat creation schemes should incorporate caterpillar foodplants and nectar sources and native plants from local sources should be used.

Just under five hectares of council owned land is classified as natural or semi-natural green space. Current initiatives include:

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Site Initiative Nursery Site at City Bank Habitat improvements for water voles, wildflowers, birds and butterflies. Educational activities such as pond dipping, butterfly identification, bird box making and crayfish catching. City Bank Depot Educational activates Opportunity Group land Creation of an outdoor educational facility for local school children - 'natural laboratory' Cirencester Hospital and Ambulance site Woodland (butterflies), orchard (biodiversity improvement and fruit trees/wildflowers)

Principal planting considerations [29]

 Potential sites for creating habitats rich in nectar and pollen should first be assessed, to identify their suitability and their current importance for plants and other wildlife.  Seed or plants should not be introduced into sites that already have a rich flora of other important habitat, or which are degraded but could be restored through appropriate management.  Planting should be undertaken only where ongoing management has been planned and can be carried out.  The choice of plant species (native or non- native) and varieties (wild or selectively bred) needs to be considered carefully, within the context of the site’s characteristics (eg. soil and current land use), location and ecological sensitivity, as well as biodiversity priorities identified for the area. Figure 19. Male red-tailed bumblebee (Bombus lapidaries)  Non-native species and selectively bred varieties should not be introduced into the wild – their use should be restricted to cultivated land, gardens and areas designated for ornamental planting in towns.  Known and potentially invasive non-native species should never be planted.  Choose species that fulfil the requirements of pollinators and provide appropriate flowering continuity.  Details of species used for creating new permanent habitats should be fully documented and passed to the local environmental records centre or local government agency office.

Allotments

(Barton Lane, City Bank, Chesterton, Purley Road, Sommerford Road, Bomford, Cheltenham Road, Abbey Farm and Barn Way Allotments)

Cirencester has just over eleven hectares of allotments. Evidence, from the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardens, shows that allotments can have up to 30% higher species diversity than formal parks. Crops can also provide valuable food sources for pollinating insects and other features, such as compost heaps, can be attractive to species such as grass snakes and slow worms.

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Allotments often provide abundant nectar sources; warm, sunny, sheltered situations and caterpillar foodplants such as brassicas, nettles, Holly, Ivy and native grasses. The Urban pollinators has published some allotment planting ideas aimed at helping our invertebrate friends.

Possible aims and initiatives:

 Encourage allotment holders to undertake wildlife friendly management, create wildlife features and use organic methods of production.  Produce an allotment holder starter park which includes information about helping wildlife.  Encourage allotment holders to record their wildlife sightings and participate in wildlife surveys.

Private Gardens

There is enormous scope to encourage wildlife friendly gardening practices and raise awareness of garden wildlife. Often over 30% of greenspace is private gardens [12]; small changes to the management of these private spaces can add up to significant change.

The generalist bumble bee Bombus terrestris is able to produce another generation in UK cities. This is because the warmer urban microclimate, combined with a variety and sequence of horticultural, ornamental and wildflowers , enhances the bee’s capacity to forage on floral foods. Plants like Mahonia, winterflowering heathers, honeysuckles and Rhododendron provide forage for winter active bumblebees.

 Develop a wildlife friendly Gardening Project aimed at promoting wildlife friendly gardening  Encourage residents of Cirencester to record wildlife sightings and share their experiences and pictures  Set-up a seed swap event to promote public participation and interaction  Sell organically grown pollinator friendly plants on a market stall

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Cirencester Pollinator Plan

Churchyards and Graveyards

(Stratton Cemetery, Chesterton Cemetery, St. John the Baptist Church, Church of the Holy Trinity, Watermoor Road Cemetery, Quakers Meeting House)

Cemeteries can be great places for local wildlife, the Old Cemetery in Stroud is a Local Nature Reserve, home to some very special Cotswold wildlife including rare lichens, beetles, badgers and glow worms. A leaflet detailing the history and wildlife of the cemetery is available from Stroud council.

Cirencester has more than 6 hectares of churchyards and graveyards containing a variety of different habitats such as large established trees and grassy banks.

Possible aims and initiatives:

 A wildlife audit of all cemeteries  Consider seasonal, easy to manage, planting such as cyclamen, snow drops and native bluebells.

Educational Facilities

(Powell’s, Chesterton Primary, Watermoor Primary, Stratton Primary, Cirencester Primary, Deep Park Secondary, Kingshill Secondary, Cirencester College, Royal Agricultural University)

The hairy-footed flower bee (Anthophora plumipes) would be a great species to study in a school garden, pupils could also learn to record and submit records to BWARS or Irecord. The behaviour of the wool carder bee is also fascinating to watch, these harmless bees also make a good subject of study for children.

Bees by their nature are not aggressive, but solitary bees are particularly docile. Bees nesting in artificial nesting sites and in ground holes can be safely watched from close quarters.

Cirencester’s schools occupy an area of more than 25 hectares, current initiatives include:

Site Initiative Chesterton Primary School outdoor teaching facility Cirencester Primary School Enhancement of Churn embankment to provide outdoor teaching facility

Possible aims and actions:

 Encourage schools to develop their own biodiversity action plans, which will: o Assess the current biodiversity status, o Identify ways to safeguard, enhance and create new habitats for wildlife, o Monitor and record wildlife sightings, o Provide dynamic outdoor teaching opportunities, o Provides a foundation for students to learn about native species and engage in wildlife conservation, o Allow schools to demonstrate their green commitments.

Figure 20

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Cirencester Pollinator Plan

Amenity Land and Green Corridors

(Hare Festival Walkway, Chesterton Farm Track, Grass Verges)

Road verges and green corridors can provide warm, sunny, sheltered conditions; a range of caterpillar foodplants such as Holly, buckthorns and elms and permanent grass edges with foodplants such as Garlic Mustard, nettles and native grasses, they also provide shelter for overwintering invertebrates. Current initiatives include:

Site Initiatives River Churn and embankments Habitat improvement, overall improvements to management, resilience, access, interpretation and biodiversity Various grass verges Work with people at the neighbourhood level to 'adopt a verge' to create SuDs. Consider whether it would be useful to introduce a change in mowing regime to increase surface water drainage and biodiversity. Consider schemes to create more attractive roundabouts at major junctions. Chesterton Farm track Improved management of site as community orchard and green/wildlife corridor

Maintaining the beauty and biodiversity of roadside verges requires a careful balancing act. If verges are left uncut, wild flowers will disappear as larger, more aggressive vegetation takes over; but over-enthusiastic cutting, especially when carried out too early in the year, will also reduce the diversity of plants and the insects that depend on them.

Road verges are cut quite frequently in spring and summer, and the cuttings are often left on the grass. Leaving the cuttings on the grass blocks the growth of wildflowers, and as the grass rots, it adds nutrients to the soil, which favours the growth of yet more grass. The enriched soils favour ‘rank’ vegetation such as dock, nettle, comfrey and some grasses, whereas the richer communities of wildflowers and grasses tend to require lower fertility. While there is an additional cost to removing cut vegetation, a significant overall saving can be achieved by less frequent mowing.

As cutting by local authorities typically takes place 5-10 times throughout the summer, wildflowers are cut before they have a chance to bloom and provide food for insects. By reducing cutting, and timing the cutting more effectively, wildflowers will have a chance to grow, and to provide food for bees. Cutting in autumn means that most bees have entered hibernation and wildflowers have finished blooming.

If possible, management during the breeding season should be avoided (e.g. summer mowing can also remove the caterpillar foodplants, together with eggs and caterpillars). Note that overwintering sites for hibernating eggs, caterpillars, chrysalises or adults may also be destroyed by management during the winter months, hence the desirability of rotational or piecemeal management.

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Cirencester Pollinator Plan

Local Businesses

Local businesses can donate employee time and other resources as part of their ‘Corporate and Social Responsibility’ policy, they could also make a pledge to improve onsite biodiversity.

Possible aims could include:

 Businesses pledging to improve onsite biodiversity,  Businesses adopting road verges, roundabouts or floral displays – an adoption list could be created.  Businesses donating employee time or raising money for pollinator friendly initiatives,

Habitat aims and initiatives:

 Identify locally important sites for biodiversity, termed by DEFRA as ‘local sites’.  Improve the biodiversity of the area, thus helping to achieve local biodiversity targets.  Look for opportunities to link urban pollinator networks to other landscape-scale projects.  Work with community groups and businesses to create pollinator planting demonstration sites.  Roadside nature reserves (RNRs)  Create habitat action plans for environmentally important sites, such as: o Natural and semi-natural grassland o Woodland o Urban areas and open mosaic habitats o Rivers  Create species action plans for BAP priority species, such as: o Populations of S41-listed pollinators o Otters o Water voles o Hedgehogs o Bats

Success Indicators:

 Progress with habitat and species action plans  The biological quality of key wildlife sites  Amount of new habitat created

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Cirencester Pollinator Plan

Appendix

Plants for Bees

Wild Plants (Natural Flora)

Name Comment Family Name Yarrow (Achillea The hairy leaves of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) are often Aasteraceae visited by wool-carder bees, who gather the plant hairs to millefolium) line their nests.

Bird's-foot trefoil Bird's-foot trefoil has deep tap-root, it is very drought- Fabaceae resistant, thriving in poor dry soils and continuing to yield nectar in dry weather.

Blackberry or The common blackberry or bramble is extremely valuable Rosaceae to a wide range of bees, flowering takes place at a time bramble when nectar is becoming scarce.

Buttercups The pollen of buttercups has occasionally been found to Ranunculaceae be harmful to honeybees, responsible for a form of 'May sickness!' Although the flowers are often completely neglected by honeybees and bumblebees, they are loved by sleepy mason bees (Chelostoma florisomme).

Clematis traveller's Many showy garden clematis do not produce nectar, but Ranunculaceae the wild clematis traveller's joy yields nectar and pollen, joy and is often buzzing with bees

Comfrey Common carder bees can vibrate Comfrey flowers to Baraginaceae extract the pollen, however since the pollen has to be dry this happens mainly on dry days

White dead-nettle White dead-nettle is a perennial and red dead-nettle is an Lamiaceae annual, they both flower over long periods and are loved by long-tongued bees.

Meadow foxtail Meadow foxtail grass has been observed to be worked for Poaceae pollen by honeybees at Kew gardens in May. The two grass grasses often observed to be worked for pollen by bees are cock's foot (Dactylis glomerata) and meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis).

Sainfoin (Onobrychis Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) has a deep penetrating Fabaceae tap-root so is not very dependent on surface moisture it viciifolia) will also continue to secrete nectar down to 14C. A species of mining bee (Melitta dimidiata) appears to feed only on sainfoin pollen

Hogweed Two species of rare mining bee, Andrena proxima and Apiaceae Andrena rosae, collect pollen only from common hogweed and a few other closely related plants.

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Cirencester Pollinator Plan

Name Comment Family Name Hollyhock It is not unusual to see 2 or 3 bees in a single hollyhock Malvaceae flower, its main attraction is as a source of pollen late in the season. Mallow (Malva Mallow (Malva sylvestris) is a particular favourite of red- Malvaceae tailed bumblebees, which can often be seen covered in its sylvestris) white pollen. Melilot, sweet Melilot, sweet clover or honey clover is a particular Fabaceae favourite of the broken-belted bumblebee (Bombus clover or honey soroeensis). clover Mullein The hairy leaves and stems of mullein are often visited by Scrophulariaceae wool-carder bees, which line their nests with plant hairs gathered for this purpose Oxeye daisy The open flower of an oxeye daisy is a favourite of solitary Asteraceae bees, such as mining bees (Andrena, Colletes and Halictus species). Common poppies Honeybees returning with pollen loads from common Papaveraceae poppies (Papaver rhoeas) have been observed struggling (Papaver rhoeas) to find the entrance to their hives. The poppy mason bee (Hoplitis papaveris), found in Europe but not the UK, lines its nest with pieces of poppy petals.

Purple loosestrife Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and yellow Lythraceae loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris) are unrelated plants, (Lythrum salicaria) purple loosestrife produces nectar and pollen, whereas and yellow yellow loosestrife only produces pollen loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris) Ragwort Ragwort, a troublesome plant which is toxic to horses, is Asteraceae drought resistant and loved by red-tailed bumblebees and many solitary bees, such as mining bees (Andrena, Colletes and Lasioglossum sp.), leafcutter bees (Megachile sp.) and cuckoo bees (Epeolus, Nomada and Stelis sp.)

Red bartsia Red bartsia (Odontites vernus) is much visited by Scrophulariaceae bumblebees with moderately long tongues, such as the (Odontites vernus red-shanked carder bee, the moss carder bee and the brown-banded carder bee. The shrill carder bee has also been seen visiting it. A mining bee (Melitta tricincta) collects pollen only from red bartsia and so is dependent on it.

Red campion The long-horned bee (Eucera longicornis), which is a long- Onagraceae tongued solitary bee, has been seen visiting red campion and meadow vetching. Red clover Red clover is an excellent plant for long-tongued Fabaceae bumblebees, such as the common carder bee, the garden bumblebee and some rare bumblebees, such as the great yellow bumblebee in northern Scotland and the shrill carder bee in southern England, Wales and Ireland. Red clover has even been specially grown at Dungeness in Kent to aid the reintroduction of the short-haired bumblebee

White clover In contrast to red clover, white clover has shorter flower Fabaceae tubes and is favoured by honeybees, short-tongued bumblebees and many solitary bees

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Cirencester Pollinator Plan

Name Comment Family Name Field scabious Field scabious (Knautia arvensis) and devil's bit scabious Dipsacaceae (Succisa pratensis) are fantastic bee plants hairs in the (Knautia arvensis) flower-tube protect the nectar from rain; the tubes also and devil's bit vary in length, making them beneficial to short and long- scabious (Succisa tongued bees. pratensis) Sowthistle (Sonchus A wide range of species of solitary bees visit the flowers Asteraceae of sowthistle (Sonchus sp.) and other yellow-flowered sp.) species of the daisy family Teasals Teasals are great plants for bumblebees, if you don't have Dipsacaceae room you can grow the small teasel (Dipsacus pilosus) which is more compact. Thistles Both short-tongued and long-tongued bumblebees are Asteraceae frequent visitors - particularly the red-tailed bumblebee.

Toadflax There are 3 commonly grown species of toadflax, all much Plantaginaceae loved by long-tongued bumblebees, they are Linaria vulgaris, purpurea and repens. Vetchs (Vicia Vetchs (Vicia species) are great pollen producing plants Fabaceae especially favoured by long-tongued bumblebees, many of species) which are declining. A rare and endangered mining bee (Andrena lathyri) is associated with grassland vetch. It appears 2 provision its nest only with vetch pollen.

Meadow vetching Long-horned bees (Eucera longicornis) collects pollen Fabaceae from meadow vetching, tuberous pea and several other related plants with similar flowers. Dabdelion There are between 100 and 200 flowers in a single Asteraceae dandelion head. The flower tubes are between 3-7mm in length and are accessible by all bees.

Also consider: Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) Brassicaceae Greater Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) Asteraceae Black Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) Asteraceae Common chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) Asteraceae Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara L.) Solanaceae Marsh Woundwort (Stachys palustris L.) Lamiaceae Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica L.) Lamiaceae Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.) Asteraceae Red fescue (Festuca rubra L) Poaceae Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) Rosaceae Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum) Geraniaceae Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus) Poaceae

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Wildflower Garden

Plant Comment Alkanet Alkanet protects it's nectar from rain in a tube about 7mm long with hairs at the entrance. Wild carrot (Daucus carota) The wild carrot (Daucus carota) is a popular plant with a wide range of solitary bees, including some rather unusual ones. Cow-wheat (Melampyrum Cow-wheat (Melampyrum pratense) is a great plant for long-tongued bumblebees, many of which are in decline. The flowers produce nectar pratense) freely. Foxgloves Foxgloves are loved by long-tongued garden bumblebees (Bombus hortorum), but also visited by Bombus pascuorum and Bombus ruderatus. Goldenrod (Solidago species) Goldenrod (Solidago species) is freely worked for nectar and pollen by a range of bumblebees and solitary bees late in the season (Jul to Oct). Daisy The hairy-legged mining bee (Dasypoda hirtipes) appears to be strongly associated with yellow members of the daisy family. Hawkweed Hawkweed flowers are particularly valuable to the red-tailed bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius). Fied of henbane (Hyoscyamus When a fied of henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) was cut several workers niger) reported being stung, bees also continued to return after cutting! Lucerne The long-horned bee (Eucera longicornis) collects pollen from lucerne and a few related plants with similar flowers, such as meadow vetching. Marsh marigold (Caltha The marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) is an early flowering damp loving palustris) perennial which can produce abundant quantities of nectar. Mignonette (Reseda lutea) Mignonette (Reseda lutea) is a particular favourite of the red-tailed bumblebee, for continuous flowering seeds should be sown at intervals. Monk's hood or aconite Flowers of the monk's hood or aconite (Aconitum napellus) is an excellent (Aconitum napellus) plant for long-tongued bumblebees, but is highly toxic to humans. Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is considered to be a better nectar plant in Germany than phacelia, borage and melilot. Shrub rose (Rosa moyesii) Some roses of the type that have many yellow stamens visible in the centre, such as the shrub rose (Rosa moyesii), are buzz pollinated. Leafcutter bees, such as the patchwork leafcutter bee (Megachile centuncularis), favour rose leaves to cut and line their nests. Rosebay willowherb (Chamerion Rosebay willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium) is one of the best wild bee angustifolium) plants of the British Isles, but can become troublesome in gardens. Eryngo (Eryngium giganteum) One of the most interesting plants for its potential for bees is the tall eryngo (Eryngium giganteum), which has very large flower heads. Thrift (Armeria maritima) Thrift (Armeria maritima) is another good plant for bees, several solitary bees visit thrift (mainly for nectar). The gold-fringed mason bee (Osmia aurulenta), which occurs mainly in coastal areas, visits thrift and other coastal plants. Verbena Verbena is a great bee and butterfly plant, flowering for many months and freely worked for nectar and pollen (especially by long-tongued bumblebees). Viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare) Viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare) is an excellent bee plant, nectar is produced very freely and bees love it. A similar plant, the purple viper's bugloss (Echium plantagineum) which occurs in Jersey and parts of Cornwall is also an excellent bee plant. White bryony The mining bee (Andrena florea) restricts its pollen gathering to the greenish-white flowers of white bryony and so is dependent on it. Winter aconite The winter aconite flowers from January to March and is an important plant in southern England for winter-active buff-tailed bumblebees. Wood anemone (Anemone The wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa) yields pollen in abundance in early nemorosa) spring, the solitary bee Osmia bicolor is an observed visitor.

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Plant Comment Wood sage (Teucrium The wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia) has a long flower tube 9-10mm in scorodonia) length but secretes nectar freely to a level of 4-5mm up the tube. Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor) is a great bumblebee plant, due to its parasitic root nature it's also great for creating wildflower meadows. Wild marjoram (Origanum Wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare) is another bee favourite, frequently vulgare) visited for nectar by bumblebees and solitary bees like the blue mason bee

Garden Plants

Plant Comment Euphorbias (Noors honey) In parts of South Africa, honey from the wild tree euphorbias (Noors honey) causes a burning sensation in the mouth that can last for hours. Aquilegia The spurs of aquilegia flowers, which contain the nectar, are long and only long-tongued bees can reach it easily from the front of the flower. Short- tongued bumblebees poke holes at the base of the flower to access nectar which are sometimes reused by honeybees. Cotoneasters Bumblebees are strongly attached to cotoneasters and a the loud hum that they produce can often be heard several meters away. They produce copious amounts of sweet nectar, and honeybees often forsake lime trees if a cotoneaster is flowering Heath (Erica species) Buff-tailed bumblebees pierce the corolla at the base of heath flowers (Erica species) so that they can drink the nectar in greater comfort! It is possible to make a selection of heath plants (Erica species) for the garden so that some will be in flower at all times of the year. Hebe 'Autumn Glory The Hebe 'Autumn Glory' continues flowering late into the Autumn, bumblebee visitors include buff-tailed, red-tailed and early bumblebees. Hydrangea (Hydrangea The ordinary garden hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) does not usually macrophylla) attract bees very much, for the bulk of the flowers are sterile. Japanese quince or japonica The Japanese quince or japonica (Chaenomeles speciosa) is a popular (Chaenomeles speciosa) early flowering shrub, sometimes flowering from Christmas until June. Larkspur (Consolida and Larkspur flowers (Consolida and Delphinium species) have a long spur, Delphinium species which holds the nectar and restricts access to long-tongued bumblebees. Mahonia x media 'winter sun' Mahonia x media 'winter sun' flowers from November to March and is of particular value to winter foraging buff-tailed bumblebees. Peony It's estimated that as many as 3,000,000 pollen grains may be produced by a single peony flower! Rhododendrons Honeybees in the UK rarely visit Rhododendrons, however a subspecies in northeast Turkey (Apis mellifera caucasica) makes 'mad-honey' from its nectar. Scarlet salvia (Salvia splendens) The scarlet salvia (Salvia splendens), a popular bedding plant, has a flower- tube that is too long for the tongue of any British bumblebee. The violet and violet salvia (Salvia x salvia (Salvia x sylvestris) is a highly recommended plant for honeybees, a sylvestris) large bed at kew gardens is often swarming with bees. Lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina) Hairy leaves of Lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina) are a favourite of the wool- carder bee, flowers are also visited by long-tongued bumblebees. St. John's wort (Hypericum sp.) St. John's wort (Hypericum sp.), with its numerous stamens, produces pollen in abundance but appears not to yield any nectar. Sunflowers Sunflowers are regularly visited by bees for nectar and pollen, along with numerous other insects. Birds will also visit to feed on the seeds. Tansy Mining bees (Colletes species) particularly visit the flowers of tansy and other daisy-like flowers to collect pollen.

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Cirencester Pollinator Plan

Plant Comment Veronica No bee garden should be without veronica, an excellent plant, flowering for a long time, loved by all bee species and producing nectar copiously. The girdled mining bee (Andrena labiata) collects pollen mainly from germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys). Weigela The deciduous shrub Weigela, which is allied to the honeysuckle, secretes nectar freely and is loved by long-tongued bumblebees. Wisteria Bees visit Wisteria flowers for nectar in bright and warm weather at kew gardens, but in cool conditions they seem to offer little attraction!

Rosemary The violet carpenter bee (Xylocopa violavea) has been sighted in scattered locations across England and Wales and appears to like rosemary. Sage Sage is popular with long-tongued bumblebees, such as the common carder bee and the garden bumblebee and is also visited by blue mason bees. 2 wild sages, the meadow clary (Salvia pratensis) and the wild clary (Salvia verbenaca) are good bee plants and favourites of wildlife gardeners Thyme (Thymus species) No bee garden should be without some thyme (Thymus species). Frequently, it grows wild in combination with wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare).

Bumblebee Plants (Easy to maintain)

Plant Comment Bluebells Bluebells may be very important flowers for queen bumblebees, the flower- tube is too long for most bees except the longer tongued queens. Honeybees and short-tongued bumblebees also reach the nectar from outside the flower near the base - this behaviour is called base working. Crocuses The advice from 'plants for bees' is that beekeepers should plant crocuses - honeybees will often collect the pollen to rebuild their colony Lungwort Lungwort is a great early source of nectar for queen bees and long- tongued bees, the pollen is also easily accessible to short-tongued bees. Lily-of-the-valley bush (Pieris The lily-of-the-valley bush (Pieris species) flowers early in the year (Mar - species) May) and provides a useful early source of nectar for bumblebees. Primrose Many long-tongued inserts visit primrose flowers, such as the common carder bee, the hairy-footed flower bee and the large bee fly. Heather (Calluna vulgaris) and Heather (Calluna vulgaris) has smaller flowers than Heath (Erica species) Heath (Erica species) and flowers in August and September. Both are fantastic bee plants. Asters Asters are great late flowering plants for bees, at Kew Gardens numerous species of aster have been observed to be freely worked by bees. The sea aster is visited by a species of mining bee (colletes halophilus), which occurs along southern and eastern coasts of England. Bellflowers (Campanula species) Bellflowers (Campanula species) are popular bee plants, visited for nectar and pollen by many solitary bees, bumblebees and honeybees. The sheep's bit scabious is not, despite its name, closely related to other scabious species, but is instead in the bellflower family. Borage Borage flowers refill with nectar every two minutes and their inverted position means that nectar is not easily washed away by rain. Gaillardia (Gaillardia pulchella) Bees love Gaillardias, the annual gaillardia (Gaillardia pulchella) was considered to be one of the main honey-producing plants of Texas! Lavender A wide range of bumblebee species frequent lavender flowers, particularly the red-tailed bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius). A scarce green-eyed flower bee (Anthophora quadrimaculata) also visits lavender flowers or catmint in gardens. Lupin The hybrid garden lupin is regarded as being more or less nectarless, although bees, such as the buff-tailed bumblebee, may collect pollen.

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Cirencester Pollinator Plan

Plant Comment Sneezeweed (Helenium sp.) Sneezeweed (Helenium sp.) is a great late flowering perennial and a favourite of the red-tailed bumblebee and leafcutter bees. Stonecrops (Sedum species) Stonecrops (Sedum species) are great late flowering plants for bees, the flowers provide a convenient platform with easily accessible nectar Snapdragon The common snapdragon is a bumblebee flower, only bumblebees are sufficiently powerful to open the mouth of the flower and reach the nectar. Wallflowers Wallflowers are among the most useful of the early spring garden flowers for bees and are visited for nectar and pollen in favourable weather.

Also consider: Aubrieta Perennial (March-May) Grape hyacinth Perennial (March, April, May (check variety)) Hellebore Perennial (February—March) Allium Perennial (Very long— check variety) Candytuft Annual (May - September) Dahlia Perennial (July - October) Fuchsia Annual or perennial (July - October) Globe thistle Perennial (July - September) Hollyhock Annual or Perennial (June - August) Jacob’s ladder Perennial (June - August) Rudbeckia Annual (July-October) Scabious Annual or Perennial (June—October) Sea Holly Perennial (July—September) Thrift Perennial (May—July) Yarrow / Achillea Perennial (July—September)

Edible Plants

Plant Comment Cherry As a nectar producer, the cherry tree is considered to be second only to the apple among fruit trees. Blackcurrant Blackcurrant flowers are frequently visited by queen bumblebees, who buzz the anthers for about a second producing a cloud of pollen. Bean The bean family are great plants for bees, but the field bean also has extrafloral nectaries which secrete nectar before and during flowering. Gooseberry The gooseberry is regarded as a better nectar plant than the currant, early bumblebees and tawny mining bees sometimes visit the flowers. Loganberry Loganberry flowers are rich in nectar and are a favourite of short-tongued bumblebees such as the early bumblebee and tree bumblebee. Parsnip Many solitary bees have a preference for the flat-headed flowers of parsnip and other members of the carrot family (Apiaceae). These include mining bees (Andrena, Colletes and Lasioglossum species) and small, black stem-nesting bees (Hylaeus species). Pear The pear is one of the 4 important fruit trees in the UK, and ranks with the apple, plum and cherry. The flowers are visited by solitary bees, such as the red mason bee, the tawny mining bee and the ashy mining bee. Plum Honeybees generally show a preference for plum blossom over that of pear and currant when able to exercise a choice.

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Cirencester Pollinator Plan

Plant Comment Radish If left neglected in the vegetable garden, the flowers of the garden radish are very attractive to all types of bees for nectar and pollen. Raspberries The flowering of raspberries generally takes place at a most opportune time - in a gap between the blossoming of fruit trees and white clover. The flowers are pendulous and the nectar is well protected from rain, meaning bees can work them when other plants have been spoiled. Not infrequently honeybees will pierce the skin of raspberries and collect the juice, this is considered to be the source of 'red honey'

Strawberry Bees visit the blossoms of strawberry plants mainly for pollen, which is rather fortunate because strawberries need to be cross-pollinated. Tomato Tomato flowers have no nectar, however they do produce large amounts of pollen. To release the pollen the flowers need to be buzz pollinated. The strong smell of tomato plants seems to be offensive to honeybees, manipulating a colony while smelling of tomato could make them sting!

Turnip Turnip, like other members of the brassica family, produces a lot of nectar and when grown from seed will flower profusely. Apple Due to their open flowers apple nectar may be severely diluted by dew, consequently bees may collect pollen early in the day and nectar later.

Large Plants

Plant Comment Hawthorn Hawthorn is notoriously fickle at nectar production, for reasons unknown being a good source in some seasons or districts. Lime (Tilia species) The optimum conditions for lime (Tilia species) nectar secretion is a humid, still morning with a temperature of 20C. Bumblebees will continue to forage on lime flowers even when there is insufficient nectar and may be found grounded beneath the trees starving. Oak A very rare mining bee (Andrena ferox), found in a very few sites in southern England, appears to collect pollen almost exclusively from oak.

Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) The Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) is an important late flowering tree for winter-active buff-tailed bumblebees. Flowers from Oct to Dec. Willow (Salix species) Willow (Salix species) is an important early flowering plant for bees, male catkins provide much needed pollen for queen bumblebees. Creeping willow Early pollen is important to many solitary bees, the creeping willow is exclusively visited by Colletes cunicularius a rare mining bee. Several mining bees (Andrena species) collect pollen almost exclusively from willow, for example Andrena clarkella. Willows (Salix cinerea, Salix caprea Willows don't have to be tall and stately, you can purchase grafted trees or Salix repens) or smaller species such as Salix cinerea, Salix caprea or Salix repens

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Cirencester Pollinator Plan

Butterfly Plants

Plant Comment Alder Buckthorn (Brimstone), Scrubby grassland, woodland, hedges. Bents and meadow grasses (Wall, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Small Heath). Short, open grassland with broken or stony turf (Wall), tall grassland near hedges, rides and scrub (Gatekeeper), open grassland (Meadow Brown), dry, well-drained, short, sparse grassland (Small Heath).

Bilberry (Green Hairstreak) Sheltered grassy or scrubby vegetation. Bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) (Green Hairstreak, Common Blue and Dingy Skipper), Long season, major food plant Countryside wildflowers - Sheltered grassy or scrubby vegetation (Green Hairsteak), sunny, sheltered grassy vegetation (Common Blue), variable sward height (short/medium) and bare ground (Dingy Skipper).

Black Medick (Common Blue), sunny, sheltered grassy vegetation. Brambles* (wild or cultivated) (Grizzled Skipper) variable sward height (short/medium), bare ground and taller areas with spring nectar plants.

Brassicas (cabbage etc) left to flower (Large and Small White), summer flowering Gardens, allotments, arable fields.

Broom (Cytisus scoparius) (Green Hairstreak) sheltered grassy or scrubby vegetation. Cock’s-foot (Speckled Wood, Wall, Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Large Skipper), Tall, shady, grassy vegetation, in woodlands, scrub, hedges, parks, gardens (Speckled Wood), short, open grassland with broken or stony turf (Wall), open grassland (Meadow Brown), slightly shady, damp, tall grassland (Ringlet), often damp grassland (Large Skipper).

Couch (Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper and Ringlet), Tall, shady, grassy vegetation, in woodlands, scrub, hedges, parks, gardens (Speckled Wood), tall grassland near hedges, rides and scrub (Gatekeeper), slightly shady, damp, tall grassland (Ringlet).. Creeping Cinquefoil (Grizzled Skipper**), Variable sward height (short/medium), bare ground and taller areas with spring nectar plants.

Cuckooflower (Orange-tip), Damp, grassy vegetation. Currants (Comma), Open woodland, woodland edges, gardens. Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill (Brown Argus), Calcareous grassland and disturbed habitats, especially sheltered and south or west facing slopes.

Early Hair-grass (Grayling*), Open, dry and well-drained with sparse vegetation and abundant bare ground.

Elms (Comma and White-letter Hairstreak), Open woodland, woodland edges, gardens (Comma), hedges, scrub, rides, isolated trees (White-letter Hairstreak). False Brome (Speckled Wood, Wall, Meadow Brown and Ringlet), Tall, shady, grassy vegetation, in woodlands, scrub, hedges, parks, gardens (Speckled Wood), short, open grassland with broken or stony turf (Wall), open grassland (Meadow Brown), slightly shady, damp, tall grassland (Ringlet).

Fescues (Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Small Heath), Tall grassland near hedges, rides and scrub (Gatekeeper), open grassland (Meadow Brown), dry, well- drained, short, sparse grassland (Small Heath)..

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Cirencester Pollinator Plan

Plant Comment Gorse (Green Hairstreak) and spring Bumbebee Plant, Sheltered grassy or scrubby vegetation.

Hemp Agrimony (Eupatorium (Grizzled Skipper**). variable sward height (short/medium), bare ground and cannabinum) taller areas with spring nectar plants.

Holly (Holly Blue), Hedges, field margins, woodland rides, gardens, parks. Hop (Comma), Open woodland, woodland edges, gardens. Ivy (Hedera helix) (Holly Blue) and Late Bee and Hoverfly Plant, Autumn flowering Hedges, field margins, woodland rides, gardens, parks.

Kidney Vetch (Small Blue*), Dry, sheltered grassland and disturbed habitats, with mosaics of short and tall swards with patchy scrub.

Nettle (Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Peacock), Sunny sheltered situations (Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral and Peacock), open woodland, woodland edges, gardens (Comma).

Oaks (Purple Hairstreak), Woodland, hedges, isolated trees. Red Fescue (Marbled White and Grayling*), Tall, unimproved grassland (Marbled White), open, dry and well-drained with sparse vegetation and abundant bare ground (Grayling*).

Rock-rose (Helianthemum (Green Hairstreak, Brown Argus). Native Plants - Sheltered grassy or scrubby nummularium) vegetation (Green Hairstreak), calcareous grassland and disturbed habitats, especially sheltered and south or west facing slopes (Brown Argus)..

Sheep’s Sorrel (Small Copper), Warm, dry situations in a variety of habitats. Sheep’s-fescue (Marbled White, Grayling*). Tall, unimproved grassland (Marbled White), open, dry and well-drained with sparse vegetation and abundant bare ground (Grayling*).

Small Nettle (Small Tortoiseshell), Sunny sheltered situations. Sorrel (Small Copper), Warm, dry situations in a variety of habitats. Stork’s-bill (Brown Argus), Calcareous grassland and disturbed habitats, especially sheltered and south or west facing slopes.

Tor-grass (Marbled White), Tall, unimproved grassland. Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia (Grayling* and Ringlet). Open, dry and well-drained with sparse vegetation and cespitosa) abundant bare ground (Grayling*), Slightly shady, damp, tall grassland (Ringlet).

Wavy Hair-grass Butterfly Plant (Wall), short, open grassland with broken or stony turf. Wild crucifers (e.g. Garlic Mustard) (Orange-tip, Green-veined White). Damp, grassy vegetation (Orange-tip), damp, lush vegetation (Green-veined White).

Wild Strawberry (Grizzled Skipper**). Variable sward height (short/medium), bare ground and taller areas with spring nectar plants.

Yorkshire-fog (Holcus lanatus) (Wall, Marbled White, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper and Speckled Wood). Short, open grassland with broken or stony turf (Wall), tall unimproved grassland (Marbled White), tall grassland (Small and Essex Skipper), tall shady, grassy vegetation, in woodlands, scrub, hedges, parks, gardens (Speckled Wood).

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Cirencester Pollinator Plan

References

1. Cirencester Green Spaces Strategy (September 2011 to September 2021) 2. Cirencester Green Spaces Strategy Annex 3. Cirencester City Bank Action Plan 4. South East Biodiversity Forum, National Indicator 197 5. Friend of the earth. How can local authorities help save bees? 6. Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Strategic Plan 2014 – 2019 7. Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Local authorities pack 8. Greater Bristol Pollinator Strategy 2015 - 2020 9. The Cirencester Hare Festival Way Route 10. Cotswold Conservation Board. Managing Roadside Verges – a brief guide for councils 11. Cotswolds AONB Management Plan 2013-2019 Summary 12. B-Lines and Local Authorities: Fact Sheet 2 – Annex 1 13. Friends of the Earth Blog. Vital role for local councils to make 2015 a good year for bees 14. Friends of the Earth. Local Councils bee projects 15. Buglife. Get Britain Buzzing: A Manifesto for Pollinators 16. Foxleas. The Pollinator Garden 17. National Trust. Natural Childhood by Stephen Moss 18. Pesticide Action Network. Go Pesticide-Free! Why (and how to) end pesticide use in our towns and cities 19. Flora Locale. Wild meadows and bumblebees Advisory Note 20. Hymettus. Information Sheet Gardening for bees – Spring 21. Hymettus. Information Sheet Gardening for bees – Summer 22. Hymettus. Information Sheet Gardening for bees – Autumn 23. DEFRA The National Pollinator Strategy: for bees and other pollinators in England November 2014 24. DEFRA Status and Value of Pollinators and Pollination Services 25. Butterfly Conservation. Butterflies in towns and cities 26. Bristol Biodiversity Action Plan 27. Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Cotswold Limestone Grassland, conservation and management. 28. UKGardening. Beneficial animals and insects in the garden. 29. Plantlife. Creating habitat for pollinators in Britain & Ireland - Statement agreed by Plant Link UK and Invertebrate Link, 2011 30. Kirk, W. D. J., Howes, F. N. (2012). Plants for Bees: A Guide to the Plants That Benefit the Bees of the British Isles

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