Wildlife

Wild Hoverfly Welfare and Garden Support

Hoverflies are important pollinators facing population decline from habitat loss and pesticide use, and garden support can make a meaningful conservation difference.

Key Facts

UK hoverfly diversity includes over 280 species with varied life histories
Hoverfly larvae occupy diverse habitats including rotting wood, stagnant water and aphid colonies
Adult hoverflies are critical pollinators, contributing significantly to crop and wildflower pollination
Pesticide use, particularly neonicotinoids, reduces hoverfly populations in agricultural areas
Garden plantings of umbellifers such as fennel and dill are highly attractive to hoverflies

Welfare Considerations

Hoverfly population declines represent losses of ecologically important species whose individual welfare is increasingly recognised. Garden actions support both conservation and individual invertebrate wellbeing.

What You Can Do

Plant umbellifers, marigolds and single-flowered plants to support adult hoverflies
Create log piles and water features to support hoverfly larval habitats
Avoid all pesticide use in your garden to protect hoverfly populations