Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and UK Pollinators 2026

UK pollinator welfare and conservation has advanced in 2026, with expanded agri-environment scheme coverage and garden action delivering measurable benefits.

Key Facts

UK has over 270 species of wild bee, all dependent on appropriate flower and nesting habitats
67% of UK butterfly species declined between 2005 and 2022 before stabilising
Agri-environment pollinator mixes on farmland now cover 400,000 hectares in England
No-mow May in 2026 engaged 2 million UK households in pollinator-friendly lawn management
Urban pollinator corridors connecting green spaces support population connectivity

Welfare Considerations

UK pollinator welfare is improving through combined action from farmers, gardeners, and advocates. Each action to create or protect pollinator habitat reduces individual insect welfare suffering.

What You Can Do

Participate in No-mow May and extend it through the summer
Plant native wildflowers and reduce lawn mowing to support pollinators
Advocate for pollinator-friendly agri-environment scheme requirements