CSFF-funded surveys of spring pollinators aimed to provide the cluster with baseline levels of spring species of bees, wasps and ants to support co-operative habitat and management work in future years. These surveys built upon earlier cluster events flower-rich meadows and margins.

Entomologist David Basham chose the aculate hymenoptera (bees, wasps and ants) because if we understand their widely-varying requirements for food and nest sites, the cluster as a whole could learn how to measure and augment habitats suitable for these and other vital pollinators.

Among the nationally significant species found during the survey, the ruderal bumblebee Bombus ruderatus was once common in the more open farmland of the past.

In serious decline during the 20th century, this legume-loving bee may have benefitted from the legume-rich CS options that promote the use of clovers and vetches.

This is therefore a species to look out for where these options are being used on cluster farms.

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Spring pollinators