Residents are being asked about their views on pollinators and how they can be nurtured in the borough.
A public consultation exercise launched this week aims to gather peoples’ opinions on whether more can be done to encourage the presence of species that pollinate or fertilise crops and flowers across Wirral.
Insect pollinators include all types of bees, some wasps, butterflies, moths and hoverflies and some beetles.
Increasing the number of pollinators, making more space for them in our green and open spaces, protecting habitats and providing more information on the importance of doing this – these are all council aspirations, but feedback from residents is needed to confirm if these are the right things to focus on.
The survey will ask people questions about five key areas. These are:
- Pollinator habitats and the threat of potential extinction of species
- Awareness of pollinators and support for their habitats
- Pollinator conservation on council land
- Knowledge and understanding of pollinators
- Addressing the needs of pollinators in local plans, policy making and guidance.
From the feedback provided, the council hopes to develop a new Pollinator Strategy for the borough. This will also support other areas of work, including Wirral’s Tree, Hedgerow and Woodland Strategy and Environment and Climate Emergency Policy Statement.
Cllr Liz Grey, Chair of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee, said, “This is a great opportunity for people to learn more about the importance of pollinators to our natural environment.
“For example, many people don’t realise that a third of all food crops, including broad beans, runner beans, blueberries and raspberries, are totally reliant on bee pollination and that moths are increasingly recognised as important pollinators at night.
“We have already made changes across our green spaces to increase planting and growing for pollinators but there is more that can be done to increase the potential for more pollinator-friendly areas in Wirral, and we need people’s opinions on the best ways we can do that.
“This consultation will allow us to ensure that we involve residents and communities in the process and that any initiatives, that are introduced to protect and increase pollinators, are supported by those living in the areas.”
To take part, visit the council’s Have Your Say website 
Image: Pixabay
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