Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and Pollinators on Agricultural Land

Wild pollinator populations are declining on agricultural land, with welfare and ecological consequences for entire food systems.

Key Facts

Wild bees provide 80% of crop pollination globally, alongside honeybees
UK farmland bee species have declined by 50% since the 1970s
Wildflower margins alongside crop fields increase pollinator abundance by 300%
Agri-environment scheme participation has reversed pollinator declines on enrolled farms
Pesticide timing to avoid flowering periods significantly reduces pollinator exposure

Welfare Considerations

Wild pollinators face welfare and survival threats from agricultural intensification. Farm management changes can dramatically reverse declines at the landscape scale.

What You Can Do

Advocate for agri-environment scheme access for all farmers
Plant pollinator-friendly wildflower patches in gardens and public spaces
Support research on pesticide reduction strategies in agriculture