Wildlife

Wild Pollinators and Agricultural Policy

Agricultural policy including agri-environment schemes shapes the landscape-scale habitat available for wild pollinators, determining welfare at population level.

Key Facts

The UK spends hundreds of millions annually on agri-environment schemes supporting wildlife
Wildflower strips and un-cropped field margins provide pollinator forage and nesting habitat
Reduction in agri-environment funding post-Brexit is a risk to pollinator welfare
The Nature Recovery Network aims to create connected habitat across the UK
Farm woodland and hedgerow planting provides long-term structural habitat for pollinators

Welfare Considerations

Wild pollinator welfare at population level is largely determined by agricultural policy that shapes how millions of hectares of farmland are managed. Individual pollinators in landscapes with high agri-environment scheme participation have access to diverse forage and nesting habitat that supports reproduction and colony health. Maintaining and increasing agri-environment funding post-Brexit is the priority policy intervention for wild pollinator welfare.

What You Can Do

Engage with political parties on their agri-environment scheme commitments
Respond to consultations on the design of the Sustainable Farming Incentive
Support organisations advocating for strong agri-environment scheme provision
Learn about the connection between agricultural policy and wild pollinator welfare
Choose food from farms participating in agri-environment schemes where identifiable