CFE Briefing: CFE and Pollinators

Introduction CFE has always included management for pollinators as part of its whole farm approach: “Diversity of wild species on the farm, for example, pollinating insects, birds, mammals and soil micro- organisms, is critically important to maintain healthy ecosystems that allow agriculture to be more productive” (CFE Deliver Plan 2013-2016).

To prepare for the new CAP, CFE held a consultation amongst all partners on the Campaign’s role. In Feb 2014, all CFE partners agreed that Campaign activity can be themed under the headings of: • Action for farm pollinators • Action for farm biodiversity • Action for resource protection

CFE pollinator activity during 2014

1. CFE Voluntary Measures A number of the CFE Voluntary Measures include options that provide floristic value or habitat for pollinators. These have been promoted by CFE coordinators since the campaign’s launch in 2009, and in 2013 over 7,000 hectares were managed voluntarily with floristic measures.

2. CFE Pollinator management guide In February 2014, CFE launched the ‘Pollinator management for your farm business’ guide. This was drafted by the Programme Office (PO) and fully agreed by all partners through the CFE governance structure. The guide was also signed off by Defra’s National Pollinator Strategy team and it therefore provides agreed guidance to farmers, aligned to the National Pollinator Strategy Call to Action. The guide has been very well received by pollinator experts, CFE partners, CFE coordinators and NFU members.

3. Pollinator experts join the CFE partnership Following the agreement for CFE’s focus on pollinators, the PO approached Bumblebee Conservation Trust (BBCT) and British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) and partners agreed that those organisations could join the Delivery & Communications Group (DCG) to ensure their expertise can be utilised by the campaign.

4. CFE Pollinator Events 2014 During the summer of 2014, CFE organised and ran 37 events focussed on pollinators. Reports on these events can be found in Annex 1. CFE local coordinators ran 37 pollinator-focussed events through summer 2014; with an average attendance of 25 farmers and advisers per event (total numbers were 729 farmers and 191 advisers attending, see Annex 2)

Many events were run in partnership with industry organisations, companies and wildlife organisations, including: BBKA, BBCT, Kings Game Cover and Conservation Crops, Syngenta, Wildlife Farming Company, Buglife, Cornfield Flowers Project, Natural , Short-Haired Bumblebee Project, The Voluntary Initiative, Farming Advice Service, DLF Trifolium and Cotswolds Seeds

CFE also promoted pollinator management on farm at national shows and events for farmers and advisers through 2014, as well as networking with other relevant organisations. This included presentations and displays at the National Association of Agricultural Contractors Pollinator Conference, Friends of the Earth Oxford Bee Summit, Cereals and Events and NFU Conference, and in a number of partner publications including Horticulture Magazine (Winter 2013 “Make it your business to protect pollinators”)

6. Pollinator seed bank CFE partners identified the cost of seed being a major barrier to farmers implementing pollinator habitat voluntarily. Partners agreed that this could be overcome by talking to industry about providing subsidised seed to farmers who agree to support CFE. CFE began discussions with Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) and Crop Protection Association (CPA) members, and agreed to run a pilot project during 2014. Working with Syngenta & Kings (a division of Frontier), CFE offered 400 packs of seed at a subsidised price of £35 per hectare (approx. half price) to farmers who attended CFE pollinator events or stands at national shows. Each pack of seed was distributed with grower guidance & the CFE pollinator guide. The pilot has been successful with all but 15 packs sold at the end of August 2014.

Future Plans during 2015

Pollinator target CFE will develop a set of delivery and land management targets to assess CFE activity to promote pollinator management. This target will be presented to the DCG in early September, and adopted by CFE in time for a series of pollinator-focussed events in spring 2015.

Pollinator events During spring 2015, CFE local coordinators will run a further series of events focussing on pollinator management on farm. These will focus on the ‘hungry gap’ for pollinators, the April-June period where flower resources are low and queens are developing nests. In this period, well managed hedgerow habitats and early flowering trees and plants are vital to healthy pollinator populations.

Adviser Training CFE partners have identified another important focus as training agronomists and other farm advisers on best practice in pollinator management and establishing pollinator habitat. A pollinator section of the CFE Online Training Module will be developed during autumn 2014, to provide training to advisers. CFE will also meet with BASIS to ensure this training is given appropriate accreditation. Some CFE events will also be targeted at advisers to provide practical guidance.

Seed Bank During autumn 2014, CFE will review learning from the pilot and begin the process of extending the scheme. CFE partners are clear that the campaign will not align solely with individual corporates in the future, and the aim will be to engage the majority of AIC and CPA members and offer larger amounts of packs of pollen & nectar seed.

CFE has also agreed to further monitor the impact of the 2014 pilot by:  Monitoring: Investigate the potential for linking up with the Bees, Wasps & Ants Recording Society (BWARS) to monitor pollinator populations on some of the established mixes  Promotion: As part of the pilot, farmers were asked to provide photos of the established mix in the spring. During summer 2015, Kings will provide free seed as a prize and CFE will run a competition to encourage return of these photos. The photos will be displayed on a webpage as a way of promoting the work farmers are doing for pollinators.

Annex 1: CFE pollinator 2014 event reviews

Annex 2: CFE pollinator 2014 events Annex 1: CFE pollinator 2014 event reviews

South Yorkshire Surrey Staffordshire Herefordshire Warwickshire & Worcestershire Kent East Midlands West Sussex East Sussex Hampshire North Yorkshire 1 North Yorkshire 2

South Yorkshire: New Hall Farm pollinator event review CFE recently held a farm walk at New Hall Farm, Nr Barnsley looking at the topic of pollinators and what farmers can do to support them. The walk led by Marek Nowakowski from the Wildlife Farming Company and supported by Syngenta looked at a variety of habitats and the benefits for pollinators as well as other wildlife. The walk highlighted the importance providing diversity of management for pollinators throughout the year. We highlighted that our crops tend to have lots of food at certain times i.e. rape, beans and peas but the rest of the year provide very little therefore we need to think of how we fill this “hungry gap”. We discussed the importance of early flowering hedgerow and scrub species such as willow and blackthorn. The issue of “perceived tidiness” came up and how we can help pollinators by not been so keen to top things like cow parsley when flowering. The walk highlighted there is lot we can do with small changes in management to provide niches and varied habitat and habitat structure for pollinators and wildlife more generally. We concluded that although there is a lot of publicity around honey bees it is actually the wild bees that are the best pollinators of our crops and our management can help support these valuable wild populations.

Pollen for bees can also be found in crops, although not intentional field or corn poppies are a source of pollen for all bees.

Surrey Farm Walk: Hosted by Hugh Broom, Milton Court Farm, 10th July 2014 Where: Wotton Village Hall and Milton Court Farm, nr Dorking, Surrey Farming: 320 acres, arable and grass for

Speakers: Hugh Broom (Host farmer), Helen Theobald (CFE), Linda Shepperd (Agrovista), Sandra Nichols (NFU) Attendees: 12 farmers, 2 agronomists/advisers, 2 seed sales reps, 3 from agencies

Summary Farmers and advisers in Surrey gathered to hear about forthcoming changes to CAP and how they can implement some of the CFE’s voluntary conservation measures. Hugh Broom, Surrey CFE Group chairman led a tour of Milton Court Farm, with discussions centring on:

Why CFE makes sense – Hugh is a big fan of the voluntary approach. He has worked successfully with Natural England to benefit the farm through ELS/HLS, but believes that some areas are best managed outside of these schemes, and enjoys being able to experiment a little! Wild bird options – since implementing measures for birds, the farm has an increasing swallow population, on hand on the day to show off a little, and many more skylarks. The farm is also used by lapwing and yellowhammer amongst others. Hugh described the RSPB surveys done on the farm and the wild bird seed planted. Mayweed control was discussed with the agronomist and Natural England representative Georgina Terry.

Wild bird seed - on light land

HLS management of grass and field edges gave rise to discussions about ragwort control and the pros and cons of naturally regenerated margins and field corners, versus those sown with conservation mixes. The farm has both types of grass margin/field corner, with Hugh preferring the sown mixes. The mix sown around the barley fields was a “legume and herb rich” mix selected for pollinators, and including sainfoin, lucerne, birdsfoot trefoil, burnet, ribwort plantain, black knapweed, yarrow, sheeps sorrel and red clover, alongside the grasses: ryegrass (late perennial diploid), Smooth-stalked meadow grass, timothy and fescues.

Discussing natural regen. versus sowing of margins, and mixes for pollinators

The farm is familiar with legume growing, as red clover and lucerne form part of the forage grown for sheep – with additional benefits for soil and for pollinators. Hugh is keen on cover cropping over the winter, and believes everyone is a winner when nitrogen is captured, soil is covered, and a green bridge allows wildlife to make much better use of the field, than a stubble or cultivated field would allow.

The farm also had excellent hedges – a result of several years’ worth of hedge-laying competitions held on the farm! Hugh extolled the virtues of making hedges available to various clubs and groups, proving that a bit of cooperation can go a long way. On this farm, with in excess of 100 walkers from nearby towns and offices, many accompanied by four-legged friends [one chap was walking 5 collies whilst we were there, and one of our farmer guests commented that the footpath we on was “busier than most high streets”!], the hedges and gates are well thought-out, and more hedge is planted, gapped up, coppiced or laid, if it is thought that it will stop dogs or people from “deviating or defecating”! Much better for the birds and wildlife too – even if the birds only get one side of the hedge, and the hounds the other. Shaping of hedges, to achieve good strong hedge and minimise songbird predation, was also discussed – the farm prefers an A-shape on the top, to a flat-topped hedge.

Red clover

Poppies in the margin and stray Lucerne from last year’s crop in the foreground

Returning to the village hall, the NFU presentation on CAP reform and requirements to be implemented this year was well received but, as predicted, raised many questions. The framework is starting to be understood, but some farmers felt they would struggle with elements of the new CAP.

The Campaign for the Farmed Environment message for the day focussed on how compulsory Ecological Focus Areas can be improved and CFE Voluntary Measures incorporated. CFE has always extolled the virtues of smaller areas providing more, with a bit of work, and there is potential for farms to complement existing conservation work with, for example, nectar flowers on “fallow” land, for pollinators, or wildflowers in EFA areas. Attendees agreed that it was good to know that EFAs and CFE could work together – even if the “holy grail” did seem a bit ambitious just now, when so much needs to be known about the basic rules. The CFE message to “retain what you’ve got” whilst making decisions and going into 2015 and beyond, should, however, be easy to remember. Those at the event agreed that they would like to visit more farms that could inspire them to do the work, and show how simple it can be.

Linda Shepperd from Agrovista provided excellent information on two very topical subjects popular with the attendees. On the subject of pollinators, she discussed mixes that can be incorporated into field corners and margins and on cover crops provided a wealth of information on the benefits of including them in the rotation, the species that can be used, and how to select for the farm, soils and rotation. It was generally agreed that more information on cover crops would be useful in the county and that CFE could help with this, with future events and information. Soil management, including forthcoming changes to cross-compliance under CAP post-2015 (removal of SPR booklet) was discussed after Linda’s talk.

Following the event and the comments from one of the farmers, the local group are keen to arrange a meeting specifically for dairy farmers – possibly joining with Sussex CFE or another of the South East groups.

Seed suppliers were pleased to have attended the event, and said that it would inform their sales and advice.

Staffordshire On Wednesday 12th March 2014, an event named ‘How to attract pollinators to your farm’ was held at Aston Hall Farm, near Stone. The morning agenda included an inspirational talk by Invertebrate Ecologist Andy Jukes about the importance of pollinators and insects on the farm. This was followed by Technical Advisor Marc Bull, from Kings, explaining about the establishment of nectar mixtures including seed selection, ground preparation and establishment techniques. To conclude the morning session, an overview of CFE and voluntary measures was given by Nigel Baskerville, CFE Co- ordinator Staffordshire.

Bumblebee on willow

The afternoon resumed with a farm walk, looking at field margins that were planned to be established with a floristically enhanced mixture. The practicalities of establishing wild flower mixtures on farmland were discussed, along with establishment techniques. These mixtures are an excellent pollen and nectar source for beneficial insects such as bumblebees, honey bees, solitary bees and hoverflies.

Nigel concluded the day with a discussion about how to manage hedgerows to provide the greatest benefit to early pollinating species, e.g. Blackthorn. Methods include trimming every other year to encourage greater blossom and in wetter areas, maintaining Goat willow as it supplies a vital early nectar source. Overall a successful event with engaging and knowledgeable speakers that gave a lot of practical and useful advice on managing habitats for pollinators.

Blackthorn hedgerow in flower A second event was held on Wednesday 25th June at Grange Farm, near Stone. Grange Farm occupies around 90 hectares and has some of the most diverse and extensive species-rich grassland in the county, supporting a wide range of wild flowers and associated insects/ pollinators. The diversity of the meadows is maintained by taking a late traditional hay crop and the pasture is managed by extensive grazing with sheep and South . There is also an area of arable land supporting a breeding population of Lapwing and rare arable plants, such as cornflower and corn marigold, which grow in the field margins.

The walk provided a demonstration on how environmental management can be successfully integrated into a commercial farming business. With the focus on the Governments National Pollinator Strategy, the creation and management of farmland habitat for pollinators such as bumblebees was discussed. There was also an update on CAP reform and ‘greening’. 41 farmers attended a very successful farm walk helped by good weather and the enthusiastic and knowledgeable host farmer, Will Prestwood. The evening ended with light refreshments in the pleasant setting of the farmyard.

Farm walk at Grange Farm, Swynnerton

South Devon cattle used to maintain species-rich grassland

Marsh orchids in a wet area of grassland

Farmers enjoying light refreshments at the end of the farm walk

Herefordshire The Herefordshire team have been promoting Syngenta’s Operation Pollinator wildflower seed mixture offer at events across the County in co-ordination with NFU talk, with an impressive attendance of 120 farmers. Two consecutive Green Futures events attracted around 100 farmers. A Grassland event was attended by Local Liaison Group members, Duchy of tenants, other estates and commercial groups including orchard growers. So far 8 farmers have taken up the offer. Another few farmers have seed from this year waiting to be established. Others have ordered directly with Kings.

Very few farmers in Herefordshire have been successfully growing such mixtures to date and so events to visit one of these farmers next year are planned to discuss the agronomy and how to make them work well. We are starting from a low knowledge base as these mixtures have not been promoted much here before.

We are also at very early stages of discussions with DLF Trifolium (seed growers for Kings), Syngenta and Bulmers to look at developing a mixture for orchard pollinators, as it is now considered that solitary bees are the most important apple pollinators, based on research from Lancaster University. We envisage the best place to have such mixtures could be on (arable / temporary grassland) fields adjacent to orchards unless there happens to be space in orchards themselves. We attended Bulmers event on orchard pollinators on 7th May 2014 and it is clear that this is likely to prove popular with orchard growers who are already aware of the importance of pollinators and are keen to get involved.

Warwickshire & Worcestershire On 4th June 2014, an event named ‘Pollinators – Help them to help you’ was held at the Upton Estate, Banbury, Oxon. A farm walk and talk around the Estate was undertaken to look at the various habitats that have been established on the land. These habitats have been created under the HLS agreement, and prior to that to meet Conservation Grade standard for Jordans. The Estate has a custom built covered trailer for farm tours, which enabled us to see far more within the time and to keep dry(ish), as the weather was appalling! We made six stops along the route, with Estate Manager Rob Allan explaining what was there, how and why it was established, as well as the management regime. Stopping points included floristic margins at various stages and Wildbird seed mixes. Then, Marek Nowakowski from Syngenta and Matt Willott of Natural England made observations on what was present and best advice on how to manage them. We then had questions before moving on to the next stop. Throughout, the same message was consistently repeated – manage these habitats as you would a cash crop – if in ELS/HLS, you are being paid to produce a crop just the same.

Attendance: 14 farmers 11 advisers. Feedback: Despite pouring rain, the feedback was very positive from farmers and advisers. As a result some farmers have asked for advice from CFE and/or company representatives.

A second event was held on 16th June 2014 at Wick Grange, Wick, Pershore, Worcestershire. A walk around the farm to look at the various habitats that have been established within the HLS agreement; and prior to that within a Countryside Stewardship agreement. The weather was fine and sunny. We made several stops along the route and the walk was led by the host farmer – Tom Meikle. He explained at each stop what was there, how and why it had been established and how it had been managed. Of particular interest was the way Tom had harvested local seed from roadside verges etc in order to obtain truly local provenance seed for his margins, which are around all his fields. Bob and the company representatives made observations on what was there and we then had questions before moving on to the next stop. Stops were at wood piles of different shapes made from pollarded willow to provide habitats for a range of invertebrates and nesting habitat for birds and bats. Well established floristic margins and Wildbird seed mixes ranged from just sown to going into second year.

Belinda Bailey from Syngenta told everyone about the Operation Pollinator campaign, which was launched at Cereals using this event as a press launch with a representative from Farmers Guardian and Horticulture Week present.

Kent CFE Pollinators Event 4th June 2014: “Boost your Bees”

Hosted by G H Dean & Co Ltd, Hempstead Farm

The host farm comprises 1200 ha of cereals, 200 ha of fruit orchards (apples, pears, cherries, plums) and keeps 2,500 breeding sheep on 570 ha of grass.

32 attended - a wide range of professional interests – growers, researchers, advisers, suppliers. Morning session; introduction from Oliver Doubleday on G H Dean approach to pollinators, presentations by Dr Mike Garratt, Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, University of Reading on the value of pollinators to UK crops, Sam Page, Conservation Officer, Bumblebee Conservation Trust on creating and managing farmland habitat for bumblebees, Charles Chantler, Land Management Adviser, Natural England on CAP reform and the new environmental land management scheme, Paul Cobb, Kent coordinator, on CFE.

Lively discussion around e.g. the need for more research into what pollinators need, the practicalities of providing habitat close to commercial orchards vs. pressure for ‘clean’ produce, establishing and managing long and short term mixes as good pollinator habitat. Afternoon session; farm tour of an established orchard, new orchard plantings with built in pollinator habitats, and open arable farmland.

Can we make an established orchard more interesting for pollinators? Provision for pollinators within a new orchard layout – what is the ideal? Field edge features in arable - value for pollinators and how to best manage? Exchanges on the need to integrate pollinator friendly habitat within the orchard or arable system as much as possible, and the potential to make existing swards, field margins etc. more diverse. Then how to maintain them through spraying cutting and harvesting regimes, management if in Environmental Stewardship – and the potential for features to count as future EFA. Conclusions; University of Reading research is providing invaluable field level knowledge. With the help of Bumblebee Conservation Trust practical guidelines growers and farmers can put this into practice. Other partners involved e.g. Kings/Frontier seeds suppliers and Syngenta can provide support and materials. Advisers should take account of pollinator needs in their recommendations. CFE has information and contacts and can put people in touch with each other.

From the host farm’s website (www.ghdean.co.uk) POLLINATOR EVENT 2014-06-10 14:09:45 On Wednesday 4th June 2014 G H Dean & Co were hosts to ‘Boost your Bees’ – the provision of pollinators and the benefits they provide. The event was promoted by the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE) and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust; with farmers being shown ways in which they can encourage bees and other pollinators into their orchards and fields. These pollinators play a vital role in the production of crops. Oliver Doubleday opened the event and introduced the speakers: Dr Mike Garratt from the Centre for Agri-Environmental Research at the University of Reading; Conservation Officer Sam Page from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust; Land Management Advisor Charles Chantler from Natural England; and Paul Cobb, Kent co-ordinator from Campaign for the Farmed Environment. After lunch, the event continued with a tour of the farm, with several stops for points of discussion in both the orchards and arable crop. It is incredibly important for the farming industry to try and conserve pollinators such as honeybees, bumblebees and solitary bees. Declines in wild bee populations are linked to reduced crop yields, and therefore it is of such concern that the government has launched a national pollinator strategy to protect pollinating insects. We at G H Dean have taken measures in order to try and conserve pollinators, such as building bee hotels and planting wind breaks using native species, wild flower strips and beetle banks.

East Midlands A series of 8 farm walks took place across the East Midlands entitled ‘Pollinators on Productive Land’. These were held in conjunction with the Farming Advice Service (FAS) and Kings Seeds. Other speakers included The British Bee Keepers Association (BBKA), Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (LWT), Syngenta and Oakbank Game and Conservation.

Habitats such as species rich meadows, floristically enhanced margins, nectar mixes, hedgerows, woodland and wild bird seed mixes were the back drop to discussion on Ecological Focus Areas (EFA’s), agri-environment scheme habitat management and CFE voluntary measures. At the events where BBKA attended a working demonstration hive was also present.

140 people attended with extremely good feedback given at all events. Comments ranged from ‘It is the best event of its kind’ to ‘I have learnt enough to be able to adopt certain practices on my farm’. It was felt by all the participants that an on farm demonstration was an extremely successful medium to communicate messages to farmers on pollinator management.

The most common questions were on specific habitat management issues with pollen mixes and wild bird seed mixes as well as on how to add value to EFA’s. Typically ‘If I have a nectar mix where does this fit within EFA’s?’

The combination of FAS speakers (with agronomy and farm business backgrounds), CFE speakers, and conservation crop speakers and (when present) BBKA, LWT and Syngenta ensured the events demonstrated how and why pollinators can be valued and managed within a farm business. The partnership developed with FAS and Kings Seeds was extremely successful with both FAS and Kings wanting to work with the CFE in the future.

West Sussex ‘Combining Pollinators & Production’ Farm Walk: 1st July 2014. Where: Lee Farm, Angmering Estate, West Sussex: 2500+acres arable & sheep unit with pedigree cattle & large shoot

Speakers: Mike Edwards (Syngenta Operation Pollinator), Prim Duplessis (CFE Sussex), Dominic Gardner (Host Farmer), Peter Cowlrick (Farm Advice Service & CCC Ltd), John Gooden (SOYL), Ginnie Griffiths (Bartholomews)

Attendees: 30 in all, 20 farmers - also Natural England, Agronomists, Land Agents and Advisors.

About the Farm: Lee Farm, of The Angmering Park Estate LLP extends to 2,500 acres in the heart of the South Downs National Park. It is run primarily as arable on a min till system with deep ploughing every 4-5 years, sheep unit with a pedigree herd of , and a large Shoot. Dominic Gardner, farm manager at Lee Farm, freely admits that 10 years ago he was ‘the most un- environmentally friendly farmer you could meet’ – ploughed right to the edge of everything, used every spray and input going. Now however, environmental awareness is an integral part of everything that happens on the farm.

Dominic has been at Lee Farm for 9 seasons, and through a combination of various stewardship schemes, experimentation and sheer hard work, the farm is becoming a haven for wildlife. This has been achieved against the farms biggest issues – black grass and annual weeds, whilst maintaining profitable food production as well as the many other objectives of the Estate. Change of Thinking

What changed Dominic’s thinking? The grain trailer. It just wasn’t getting full enough quick enough in those early days, which prompted him to review productivity over the whole farm. Working with agronomist, Peter Cowlrick, and John Gooden from SOYL, areas of low productivity were identified and management adjusted accordingly.

Unlocking the potential in the soil – for the crop and the environment Some of the ground had been in organic management and was suffering from nutrient lock up. Quantities of manure and sewage sludge were used to put the heart back in the soil and make P’s and K’s more available. The SOYL mapping revealed where the indices were good allowing reverse nutrient spreading to be used to full effect; and where they were poor, taking out the lower productive areas for environmental benefit whilst incorporating weed control.

Dominic explains his weed control strategy for black grass on this beetle bank, alternating fallow/stale seed beds with phacelia/crop. Being totally surrounded by crop stops the bank becoming a fox corridor, and there are 6 lapwing nests on the fallow. The beetle bank itself is HLS funded, however the additional fallow for the lapwing is a voluntary measure that Dominic will retain.

The heavy shading from the woodland reduces productivity. Located on a public foot path, the phacelia does a great PR job as well as providing habitat for honey bees and hoverflies. The aim is to control weed ingress by manipulating the rotation from the current 2xwinter, 1xspring crop - to 1xwinter, 2xspring.

In-crop pollinator opportunities: Kale is a popular biannual crop for game cover strips, and Dominic uses it to full effect on the Estate not just for the Shoot, but for pollinator habitat and pest control as well. Mike Edwards of Operation Pollinator (Syngenta) points out that Kale is a particular favourite with mining bees who are significant pollinators of OSR, and probably the most significant bee in a farming context. They like firm, sparsely covered or bare earth patches that are south facing and therefore warm. Kale also acts as a ‘trap’ crop for pollen beetle, essentially lazy insects, thus providing an element of pest control.

Maize located next to a block of Kale. Mike explains how habitat for mining bee can easily be incorporated into cropping: the field is cultivated square, but the drill goes round the corner, leaving a 'bare edge'. Dominic has sprayed this off leaving perfect conditions for the mining bee - small patches of warm, bare earth, south facing. The bee nests up to 30cm down, so fits with the min till system. Deep ploughing is undertaken every 4-5 years for weed control, and is also rotated, meaning there is always habitat available.

Other opportunities for pollinators: Mike also highlighted the value of grass margins for pollinators, with bumble bees such as Bombus hortorum, pascourum and ruderatus as well as mining bees benefitting from flowery grass margins, cut on rotation. Equally, these don’t necessarily have to be field margins, margins on track ways can lend themselves to this, can be done when the cutter is out anyway, giving a zero cost option for providing more flowers for pollinators. The restriction on cutting dates in field was debated, and Jim Seymore of Natural England indicated that there would be more flexibility in the forthcoming ‘NELMS’. He urged farmers to take the best advice they can and apply it in their own situation, to Bare patches on south facing verges provide idea l experiment and take full advantage of habitat for mining bees, significant pollinators of the voluntary measures that the OSR. They will travel over a mile in the landscape to find crop Campaign for the Farmed Environment are putting forward, as this will be a big element of EFAs & Greening.

Sheep alone are not enough to increase floristic diversity

Grassland management and pollinators The farm also has amounts of grassland, some of which is managed under HLS for the historic environment, some for species rich grassland. It was generally felt that sheep alone are not enough to enhance floristic diversity, and that the grazing habits of cattle create a better sward structure with more bare patches for germination. Stocking densities are crucial to this, for example, the presence of Yorkshire Fog suggesting under grazing. At the moment the size of the herd is probably not enough to make a significant impact on the flowering species, but this will be reviewed over time.

Work in progress… As Dominic says, the farm is a ‘work in progress’ and he continues to make it work environmentally whilst improving production – ‘It doesn’t have to be difficult. Do things you like. I like Lapwing. We will have to do this for EFA’s anyway – and it is possible for everyone to do one zero cost option.’ Prim Duplessis of CFE Sussex said ‘Dominic is inspirational – he really understands the message that there just aren’t enough flowers and habitat to go round the pollinator population (England has lost 98% of its flower rich meadows in 40 years) and is a prime example of how pollinators and production can be successfully combined through thought and effort’.

East Sussex: Pollinator Walk 8th July, 2014 Who: Organised by Short-haired Bumble Bee Project & Campaign for the Farmed Environment Where: Moneypenny Farm, East Guldeford, East Sussex. 1000+acres sheep & arable on Romney Marsh Speakers: Dr Nikki Gammans (SHBB Project), Prim Duplessis (CFE Sussex), Paul Hyde (Natural England), Larry Cook (Host Farmer) Attendees: about 30 in all, split between local farmers & local EA representatives who carry out work on the Marsh.

Dr Nikki Gammans talks about the re-introduction of the Short-haired bumble bee to Moneypenny Farm, and how the project has worked closely with Larry Cook and his neighbouring farmers. Larry describes his cutting and grazing management to encourage floristic diversity and red clover in the sward for the bees. This combined with the use of yellow rattle means he never has to re-seed, keeping costs down, and also helps produce a consistent product of sweet smelling small baled hay for the equine industry. Pollen and nectar mixes are also used in conjunction with grass margins to provide forage for the bees at all stages of their life cycle. Larry also manages difficult and unproductive corners of the farm with a reduced cutting regime, allowing rarities such as the marshmallow to re- appear.

Hampshire: ‘Managing for Pollinators on the farm’ 7th July 2014 College Copse Farm, Ridge Lane, Rotherwick, RG27 9AX With Hampshire Wildlife Trust

Competition for flowers, in this case by Hoverflies, is growing

Pollinators, pollinators, pollinators – that is probably the top message coming out of DEFRA at the moment!

I expect that most people immediately think of Honey bees when pollination is talked about, and if pushed, might add Bumble bees to the list as well. But in fact there is an enormous number of species that are important in the pollination process including Hoverflies, Flies, Butterflies, Moths, Wasps, Beetles, Midges, Thrips, Bugs and even some Mammals can play a part. Yesterday (with my campaign for the farmed environment (CFE) hat on) I joined the Hampshire Wildlife Trust (HWT) in north Hampshire, to run an event on what farmers and land managers can do to help all these pollinators, as there is plenty of evidence that many of them are not faring well in our countryside at the moment.

Government is presently working on a “Pollinator strategy” to try to encourage more flowers, especially those rich in pollen and nectar, to be planted across the landscape. The new Stewardship scheme, when details are announced either towards the backend of this year or maybe early next year, will undoubtedly concentrate on this as one of its main themes.

The event went well, starting off with Alison Cross (HWT) emptying out a moth trap which she had set the night before, enthralling people with moths such as the Drinker and Poplar Hawkmoth. Then the group walked across College Copse farm, which is owned and managed by the HWT, to look at and discuss ways to improve farmland for these pollinators.

I think the attendees went away with a much better understanding of what can be done to encourage these important species, remembering also just how vital they are in providing a crucial role in the pollination of many of the crops we grow. In parts of China and Japan, they now employ people to walk around pollinating crops as they have lost the natural wildlife to do it for them – how crazy is that! Pollinators contribute over £400 million per annum to the UK economy and €14.2 billion per annum to the EU economy – best that we do not forget that.

Alison Cross talking "Moths"!

Practical discussions - key to learning!

North Yorkshire: 31st March 2014 The inaugural pollinators event held by the CFE Yorkshire and the North East team near Malton, North Yorkshire attracted plenty of interest with 24 farmers and advisers attending.

Guests had a look at species rich grassland and pollinator and wildlife habitats at Beck House Farm, Menethorpe with kind permission from Charles Clarkson. A handful of experts were there to take questions and the feedback was positive.

The team plan to host similar events across other parts of the region. Keep checking the events section for details.

North Yorkshire: Wykeham Farms 10th June 2014

22 farmers and advisors attended a fascinating farm walk looking at pollinators and the habitats created to benefit them on Wykeham farms in North Yorkshire. The walk led by Seven Falk who is Buglife’s national entomologist looked at a variety of habitats and the benefits for pollinators as well as other wildlife.

Steven gave the group a fascinating insight into the requirements of different pollinators and particularly the cuckoo bumblebee (photo below) which were frequenting both the nectar plots and the Phacelia within the wild bird seed mixes. Steven explained how these bees like their namesakes in the bird kingdom enter the nest of true bumblebee, potentially kill the bumblebee queen and leys their eggs in the nest imitating the true queen.

The walk highlighted the importance providing diversity of management for pollinators throughout the year and not just on the dedicated nectar plots. We discussed the importance of early flowering hedgerow and scrub species such as willow, blackthorn and gorse and how we could encourage late nectar sources by managing our nectar plots with a mid-season cut. Steven highlighted the importance of things like cow parsley and how we can benefit pollinators by not been so keen to top and “tidy up “tracksides and rougher areas on the farm.

The walk highlighted there is lot we can do with small changes in management to provide niches and varied habitat and habitat structure for pollinators and wildlife more generally. We also mentioned the potential value from different sowing dates for wild bird seed crops something we will see at the BASF demonstration site at Rawcliffe Bridge during CFE farm walk on 15 July.

Annex 2: CFE pollinator 2014 events

Date Name of Event Date & Place of Farmers Advisers Organisations Event Attending Attending involved

12.3.14 How to attract Staffordshire 10 3 Kings Game Cover Pollinators to your farm and Conservation Crops 31.3.14 Farm walk - improving N Yorkshire 25 5 Syngenta, Wildlife habitat for pollinators Farming Company, and understanding their Buglife & Cornfield importance to Flowers Project agriculture 30.4.14 Pollinators & Pesticides Derbyshire 15 6 VI, Kings Game Farm Walk Cover and Conservation Crops, 7.5.14 Pollinators Herefordshire 40 7 Bulmers

19.5.14 Pollen & nectar mixes Shropshire 6 10

31.5.14 Pollinator farm visit Shropshire 7 12 (with Owen Paterson Secretary of State) 4.6.14 Habitat Management Somerset 25 3 for Pollinators

4.6.14 Pollinators – Help them Warwickshire 14 11 Syngenta, Wildlife to Help you Farming Company

4.6.14 Boost Your Bees Kent 25 7

10.6.14 Farm Walk – Improving N Yorkshire 13 10 Buglife habitat for pollinators

16.6.14 Pollinators – Help them Worcestershire 15 10 to Help you

17.6.14 Farmland Birds, their Hampshire 14 4 food and their habitats

17.6.14 Bee Compliant & Bedfordshire 32 5 FAS Improve your Margins 18.6.14 Bee Compliant & Norfolk 28 4 Improve your Margins

18.6.14 Creating a buzz on Buckinghamshire 15 5 your farm

19.6.14 Bee Compliant & Essex 23 6 Improve your Margins

23.6.14 Farm Walk: Improving S Yorkshire 9 4 Habitat

24.6.14 Bee Compliant & Cambridgeshire 22 5 Improve your Margins

25.6.14 Managing Biodiversity Staffordshire 35 2 and CAP Greening Farm Walk 23.6.14 Pollinators Alongside Lincolnshire 30 6 FAS, Kings Productive Land Event Conservation Crops 24.6.14 Pollinators Alongside Derbyshire 12 3 FAS, Kings Productive Land Event Conservation Crops 24.6.14 Bee Compliant & Cambridgeshire 22 5 FAS Improve your Margins

25.6.14 Managing your Farm Wiltshire 14 5 to help support pollinators 26.6.14 Pollinators Alongside Derbyshire 10 1 FAS, Kings Productive Land Event Conservation Crops 30.6.14 Pollinators Alongside Nottinghamshire 20 1 FAS, Kings Productive Land Event Conservation Crops 1.7.14 Farm Walk combining Sussex 20 10 Syngenta, FAS Production & Pollinators 1.7.14 Pollinators Alongside Lincolnshire 30 6 Productive Land Event

2.7.14 Bee Compliant & Hertfordshire 25 8 FAS Improve your Margins

3.7.14 Pollinators Alongside Nottinghamshire 18 2 FAS, Kings Productive Land Event Conservation Crops

7.7.14 Bee Compliant & Suffolk 33 5 FAS Improve your Margins

7.7.14 Managing for Hampshire 16 4 Wildlife Trust Pollinators on the Farm 8.7.14 Pollinator Farm Day Sussex 26 4 Natural England, Event Short-Haired Bumblebee Project 3.7.14 RSPB & CFE Farm Walk Yorkshire 35 4 RSPB

TBC NW events Cumbria, 45 8 Lancashire, Cheshire TOTALS 729 191