We need your help to count! The Highland 2024 Big Pollinator Count...
...at our very own Wild Flower Mosaic Meadows
We are excited. The meadows are blooming their socks off this year, and the sun has been making an apprearence too. But we need your help for the Highland 2024 Big Pollinator Count, taking place this August from now until the 21st August 2024 at the wonderful Wild Flower Mini Meadows across the Highland region. Your participation will be really important in making this event a grand success and contributing to understanding how these medows are helping pollinators.
Why Pollinators Matter
Bees, butterflies, and other insects play an essential role in the pollination of plants, which not only supports our food supply but also maintains the health of natural habitats. Without them - there is a lack of food for all creatures.
Sadly, pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use. By taking part in our pollinator count, you will help us reverse this trend protect these indispensable creatures. Additionally, this initiative allows us to monitor the success of our volunteer-created mini meadows!
How You Can Participate
1. Visit a Wild Flower Meadow: Whether you choose one of our designated Meadow Mosaic patches or a favourite wildflower meadow of your own, take some time to explore and observe. Find a meadow near you:
2. Count the Pollinators: During your visit, observe and note the different pollinators you encounter then when you are ready to start, check your timer and record for exactly 30 minutes. Count every insect you see sitting on or landing on the meadow flowers. Look out for bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other insects visiting the flowers. Keep a tally sheet of what you see.
- Bumblebees
- Honeybees
- Solitary bees
- Wasps (including ichneumon wasps)
- Hoverflies (including ‘non-typical’ hoverflies)
- Other flies
- Butterflies and moths
- Beetles (larger than 3mm)
- Small insects (e.g., pollen beetles) less than 3mm
- Other insects
If you're unsure about the type of insect, add it to the “Other insects” category and, if possible, take a photo for identification assistance. Ensure to count each individual insect only once and avoid leaning over the flowers to prevent casting shadows that might deter insects.
3. Submit Your Observations: Use our easy-to-access online form to submit your findings(https://surveys.highlifehighland.com/s3/The-Big-Annual-Pollinator-Count). Your contributions will be added to our meadow map, helping us track pollinator activity across the region.
Spread the Word
Please share this post with your friends, family, and community to encourage participation across the region. The more people involved, the better our understanding of the pollinator populations in Highland will be. Together, we can make a significant impact on the conservation of these vital insects.
Adding to the Meadow Mosaic
Currently, our Meadow Mosaic map boasts 99 pieces, and we would love to see this number grow to over 100.If you have a new mini meadow to add, simply send a few details, including the location and photos, and you can contribute your piece of nature's colour to our growing map.
If you already have a meadow on the map, please send an update to the Highland Environment Forum with your stories, successes, failures, photos, and words— any words long or short - they are all welcome.
Let's make this pollinator count the biggest and best yet!
Your involvement not only supports our local biodiversity but also promotes 'green health,' enhancing our connection with nature and fostering a healthier environment for all.
Thank-you from all of us the High Life Highland Ranger Team
We will be in the following places for Big Pollinator Counts - join us to learn about pollintator identification!
Suitable for all ages and abilities.
Monday 12th August:
Lil’s Garden (The Court House Garden), Grantown-on-Spey 2pm – 3pm - Saranne.bish@highlifehighland.com
Tuesday 13 August:
Morefield Place, Ullapool 10 am – 10.30am jenny.grant@highlifehighland.com
Ullapool allotments 11 am – 11.30 am jenny.grant@highlifehighland.com
Ullapool - Quay street outside Lochbroom leisure centre 12pm – 12.30pm
Thurso Leisure Centre 10-11am paul.castle@highlifehighland.com
‘Crofter’s Snug’ East Mey 12- 1pm paul.castle@highlifehighland.com
Wick Riverside 11-12noon Patricia.Bremner1@highlifehighland.com
Newtonhill community woodland, Caithness 2-3pm Patricia.Bremner1@highlifehighland.com
Dingwall 1-3pm Simpson Place in Dingwall, IV15 9QD, what3words duos.hazel.roving marcia.ohara@highlifehighland.com
Clachtoll 11-12noon andy.summers@highlifelighland.com
Wednesday 14th August
Aird, Aultbea - 10.30am – 11.30am jenny.grant@highlifehighland.com
Strontian, Lochaber 11am – 12 eilidh-Ann.Philips@Highlifehighland.com
Spean Bridge play area, Lochaber 2-3pm fiona.maclean2@highlifehighland.com
John O Groats Mill 10.30am – 1.3pm kirsty.rosie@highlifehighland.com
Wednesday 21st August
Culloden Avenue, Inverness 1-2pm john.orr@highlifehighland.com
Excellent! Hope you get lots of people joining in!