We are teaming up with Pollinating London Together

Pollinating London Together (PLT) was created with a specific mission: Saving urban pollinators by enhancing green spaces for the benefit of all.

The longer-term vision is to create a template for change and action through leadership that can be implemented in urban environments across the UK. Founded in 2020 by the Worshipful Companies of Wax Chandlers and Gardeners, Pollinating London Together began as a collaboration within the City of London’s livery companies. Today, it has grown into a thriving community, uniting livery companies, business, schools and other organisations to raise awareness of pollinator decline and drive positive action across the city.

This June, Better Bankside was joined by Dr Konstantinos Tsiolis, Pollinator Ecologist from PLT and the Southwark Biodiversity team to explore how we can better understand the impact our green sites have for pollinating insects and what we can do better. During the visit Konstantinos showed us an incredible diversity of pollinating insects on our Union Street bed. Here we found many species of bees including a fairly rare bee to be found in an urban setting, the small scissor bee (Chelostoma campanularum) which is Britain’s smallest bee species, measuring only 6-7mm in length.

Better Bankside is committing to extending our green network to improve pollinator corridors and habitat creation specifically, cavity and ground nesting bees. Each year, Pollinating London Together conducts comprehensive pollinator and habitat surveys to assess the health and diversity of pollinator populations across the City of London and beyond. These surveys involve an assessment of the state of the habitat in its potential contribution to a habitat for pollinators together with meticulous observations of various pollinator species, including bees, butterflies, and other insects.

By mapping out key areas of biodiversity and identifying potential threats, the initiative aims to enhance conservation efforts and promote the creation of pollinator-friendly spaces. The data collected not only helps in understanding the ecological dynamics of urban environments but also informs community engagement and educational programs focused on the importance of pollinators in maintaining healthy ecosystems. In addition to the general surveys, each greenspace surveyed has a specific individual report.

Through this invaluable report, Better Bankside will continue to introduce pollinator friendly planting schemes that make space for pollinators to thrive in Bankside.