Count the county’s winged wonders for the the Big Pollinator Count
High Life Highland’s (HLH) countryside rangers are asking Caithness residents to survey the area’s winged wonders as part of the Big Pollinator Count (BPC).
The BPC takes place across August 7-13 and simply involves spending time in nature, counting the creatures.
Eager counters can busy themselves at one of the area’s Wildflower Mosaic Meadows or any wildflower meadow they know and love. When there, it is as simple as recording what pollinators they see and submitting those observations online.
Pollinators such as bees, butterflies and other insects play a vital role in keeping ecosystems healthy. They are responsible for the pollination of many plants, which in turn supports the nation’s food supply and the health of natural habitats. Sadly, pollinator populations are declining due to a number of factors including habitat loss and climate change.
HLH head ranger, Imogen Furlong explains: “Pollinators are the most important species on the planet, without them, we have no food! So it is important that we have a good understanding of their populations so we know where to focus our efforts in terms of conserving and enhancing them.
“By taking part in our BPC, people can help us gather that really important data and it will also allow us to monitor the success of our volunteer-created mini meadows.”
The Highland Wildflower Meadow Mosaic project is led by the HLH rangers and aims to create an array of mini meadows throughout the area to support biodiversity. So far over 90 have been created, working with schools, community groups and individuals, with all the planting thoroughly considered using seeds collected in Scotland. The project recently featured on an episode of the BBC’s Out of Doors radio programme.
To get involved in the BPC, find a mosaic meadow, watch the area for 30mins in a dry spell when pollinators will be more likely to be flying and then submit observations online.
Caithness sites can be found on the meadows map at: www.highlandenvironmentforum.info/meadows-map/
All the information and links to take part can be found here: The Big Pollinator Count - High Life Highland Rangers. To join a member of the High Life Highland Countryside Ranger team on the hunt for pollinators look out for local events being posted at: www.highlifehighland.com/rangers/the-big-pollinator-count/
High Life Highland works with many partners (local, regional, and national) to deliver services and activities and make life better for the residents and communities of the Highlands.
