This project aims to establish connected nectar and pollen-rich sites along the Ayrshire coast, ensuring the long-term survival of pollinating insects in the area.
Pollinators are in serious decline across the UK. With over 95% of the UK’s wildflower meadows being lost since the Second World War, places where pollinating insects can thrive are now very restricted. Nectar gives insects energy to travel across the landscape so a lack of refuelling sites prevents this.
Around 84% of Europe’s crops depend on pollinators.
Without food and shelter, not only can these pollinators not reach the crops but they are also isolated from others of their kind. An isolated insect population is vulnerable because, if it declines for any reason, it cannot be boosted or replenished from a nearby colony.
The Nectar Network project came about through a group of Ayrshire businesses, golf clubs and their neighbours, who were already exploring sustainability together, deciding to take action to help pollinators.
Sites that have been improved for pollinators since the project began in 2013 include wildlife reserves, public greenspaces, woodlands, golf courses and industrial sites. The aim is to remove barriers to pollinator dispersal by filling in the gaps between existing flower-rich sites.
Get involved
The Nectar Network is a growing partnership that covers the coastal strip between the towns of Irvine and Girvan. There are lots of ways to get involved in the project.
Become a partner
If you have a site in our area that you think you could improve for pollinators, please get in touch. We will see what we can do to help. Depending on demand, we might even be able to come out, carry out a quick survey and recommend some actions.
If you already managing a piece of land with pollinators in mind, and would like to be part of the network, let us know. Partners also get to display the Nectar Network logo and receive other benefits.
Donating to the Network
Funds and volunteers for the Nectar Network are managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. If you would like to donate funds, equipment or materials to the network, please contact us so we can distribute your gift within the partnership. Volunteers do everything from practical tasks on sites to providing expert advice to partners so we would love to hear from you if you feel you have something to offer.
More information
To find out more about the project contact Gill Smart. Email nectarnetwork@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk
Partners
The Nectar Network is a true partnership made up of a wide range of range of organisations including local businesses, land managers and conservation charities. The partners represent:
- Those who have land create or improve habitat for pollinators.
- Those who have equipment help out those who do not have access to their own.
- Those who have spare materials give them to others.
- Those who have time volunteer their labour.
- Those who have funds donate them to the overall management of the project.
