What evidence does the Minister hold regarding the benefits of wildflower meadow growth to increase the bee population?
The Wales Threatened Bee Report (2018) highlighted that the decline in wild pollinators is mainly due to habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation. Wales’ Action Plan for Pollinators recognises the need for diverse and connected flower rich habitats to support our pollinators, including bees.
Plantlife’s Magnificent Meadows project, funded through Welsh Government’s Enabling Natural Resources and Well-being grant recognises the benefits of wildflower meadow growth to increase the bee population. The project aims to increase the extent of species-rich meadows, integrating greater resilience of grassland habitats through habitat expansion, networking and improving quality. This project has developed a Meadow Hub which gives advice on how to maintain and create meadows. It also explains the benefits of meadows for pollinators and other species.
For more information see: https://meadows.plantlife.org.uk/about-meadows/what-wildlife-do-meadows-support/