New research shows how a local initiative to revamp urban green spaces in Cornwall is leading to a dramatic increase in pollinator populations.
A groundbreaking initiative in Cornwall has successfully turned urban green spaces into vibrant pollinator hubs, significantly increasing the number of vital insect species. The collaborative effort, titled “Making Space for Nature,” involves Cornwall Council, Cormac (a company responsible for maintaining Cornwall’s environment), and the University of Exeter. By planting a diverse array of flowers, shrubs, and trees across towns in the region, this project has created wildlife havens that benefit both people and nature.
Spanning across 78 hectares of land in 15 Cornish towns, including Bodmin, Falmouth, and Penzance, the project focused on converting underused green spaces, such as parks, road verges, and even closed churchyards, into vibrant community areas. The research conducted as part of this project now reveals that these revamped spaces have become buzzing centers for pollinators, providing critical habitats for bees, hoverflies, and other insects.
Pollinator Numbers Surge with Wildflower Planting
Scientists from the University of Exeter have demonstrated that introducing wildflowers into urban green spaces significantly boosts the activity of pollinating insects. The study found that pollinator visits to flowers doubled in areas planted with wildflowers compared to spaces that had not been enhanced, particularly benefiting solitary bees and solitary wasps.
The most successful method of attracting pollinators was planting a combination of wildflowers and ornamental flowers. This approach was especially effective in increasing the numbers of hoverflies and other fly species, with 3.5 times more of these insects observed in areas where both types of flowers were present, compared to spaces that only featured wildflowers.
“The Making Space for Nature scheme aimed to improve public green spaces for both people and pollinators,” said Oliver Poole, a PhD student at the University of Exeter who led the study during his MSc in Conservation and Biodiversity. “We studied 50 paired sites across 10 of these towns, which were either left as normal (mostly mown grass) or planted with wildflowers or a combination of wildflowers and non-native ornamental flowers.”
These small-scale changes had a big impact, with just 20% of space being used for the new plantings, Poole added. “The results show that urban green spaces can provide a vital refuge for pollinators, while also being appealing and enjoyable places for people.”
Native and Non-Native Flowers Provide Vital Resources
The research highlighted a number of native wildflower species that are particularly effective at attracting pollinators. Among the top performers were common knapweed (Centaurea nigra), common hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), cat’s ear (Hypochaeris radicata), and oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare). These species, native to the UK, are known to offer abundant nectar and pollen, which provide food for a variety of pollinating insects, including bees and butterflies.
Interestingly, non-native ornamental plants also played a significant role in attracting pollinators. While native plants typically cater to local pollinators, the study showed that certain non-native species, such as salvias, white meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba), and lavender cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus), were particularly successful in attracting pollinators other than bees, such as hoverflies. This demonstrates that a well-thought-out mix of native and ornamental species can provide a broad range of resources for different types of pollinators.
Local Support for Nature and Wildlife
The success of the “Making Space for Nature” project has garnered praise from local authorities and community members alike. Councillor Martyn Alvey, Portfolio holder for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, emphasized the dual benefits of the scheme. “The Making Space for Nature scheme has provided communities with access to nature as part of their everyday lives and created safe havens for wildlife,” he said. “The spaces have been transformed into rich and diverse habitats, and working with the University has allowed the Council to evidence the value of these enhancements and the importance of creating them for pollinators.”
For many residents, the transformation of previously underutilized urban areas into thriving green spaces has not only enhanced their local environment but also provided them with an opportunity to reconnect with nature. The additional greenery and increase in pollinators make these spaces more inviting for people, encouraging outdoor activities like walking, picnicking, or simply enjoying the beauty of the natural world.
Melissa Ralph, Cormac’s Making Space for Nature Manager, also expressed her enthusiasm for the project’s success. “It’s fantastic that University of Exeter research provides evidence that the new ornamental and wildflowers are helping reverse Cornwall’s decline in insects,” Ralph noted. She further emphasized that the project’s “nature-positive management methods clearly benefit both people and urban wildlife.”
Impacts on Cornwall’s Declining Insect Population
Cornwall, like many parts of the UK, has seen a worrying decline in insect populations over recent decades. Habitat loss, pollution, and climate change have all contributed to this decline, with serious implications for ecosystems and food production, as insects play crucial roles in pollination, pest control, and nutrient recycling. The “Making Space for Nature” project aims to counteract these trends by providing essential habitats for pollinators in urban environments.
The data gathered by the University of Exeter is published in the journal Insect Conservation and Diversity under the title Pollinators Respond Positively to Urban Green Space Enhancements Using Wild and Ornamental Flowers. The study’s findings provide strong evidence that small-scale urban interventions, such as planting wildflowers and ornamental plants, can have a meaningful impact on pollinator numbers.
Given the global concerns about biodiversity loss, this research offers a hopeful outlook. By improving urban green spaces, local governments and communities can make a significant contribution to conserving pollinator populations. Moreover, the increased pollinator activity in these areas has the potential to benefit surrounding agricultural regions, which depend on insects for crop pollination.
Looking Forward: The Future of Urban Pollinator Conservation
The success of Cornwall’s initiative is part of a broader movement to rethink the role of urban spaces in supporting biodiversity. While cities and towns are often seen as places where nature is absent, projects like “Making Space for Nature” challenge this perception, demonstrating that urban areas can play a critical role in wildlife conservation.
By planting diverse mixtures of wild and ornamental flowers, urban green spaces can be transformed into ecological havens that support both wildlife and the well-being of local residents. The Cornwall project is an inspiring example of how collaborative efforts between councils, academic institutions, and community groups can lead to tangible environmental benefits.
As pollinators continue to face mounting challenges, initiatives like this one are essential for reversing their decline. The success of the “Making Space for Nature” project shows that with relatively small interventions, it is possible to create thriving ecosystems in even the most urbanized environments.
For the people of Cornwall, the revitalized green spaces not only bring aesthetic value and recreational opportunities but also contribute to a larger effort to protect the insects that are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring food security.
