Kew's Wakehurst botanical gardens is advancing pollinator research through its Nature Unlocked programme. For five years, scientists have focused on identifying plants that best support bees, wasps, butterflies, and moths, recognizing their critical role in food security and biodiversity. Recent data reveals approximately 110 bee species and 90 moth species in the area, exceeding numbers found in regions like Ireland.
[IMAGE_1] [IMAGE_2] The research highlights the importance of trees for providing early-season nectar and pollen. Wakehurst is applying these findings by advising developers on incorporating pollinator-friendly plants into urban designs. Advanced technologies, including bioacoustics monitors and AI-powered cameras, are being used to track insect populations and foraging behaviors, even at night.
The newly opened Wakehurst Ecosystem Observatory (WEO) will serve as a vital center for scientists and citizen scientists to study various habitats. This initiative aims to deepen the understanding of ecosystem functions, their responses to environmental changes, and their capacity to support both wildlife and human populations, contributing significantly to conservation efforts.
