BEESPOKE: Increasing pollinators and pollination to increase fruit yields

NIAB entomologists at East Malling have been working on an Interreg EU funded project called BEESPOKE. Its objective is to increase the number of pollinators and crop pollination on local and landscape scale by providing new expertise, tools and financial knowledge to land managers and policy makers, in order to create more sustainable and resilient agro-ecosystems. It aims to develop new products and approaches to increase the diversity of insect pollinators and crop yields by 10%. We have been developing bespoke seed mixes and habitat management guidelines to support farmers and growers.

This event provided practical information on a wildflower strip establishment and management including selection of wildflower mixes. Participants also learnt about the work carried out at East Malling and viewed the resulting mixes in the field. 

Presentations and video:

Welcome and introduction to the benefit of wildflowers in fruit production (PDF)
                Michelle Fountain, NIAB
Research on the benefits of floral strips to support natural enemies and pollinators (PDF)
                Celine Silva, NIAB
Developing the use of wildflower mixes at Hugh Lowe Farms (Video)
                Charlotte Hudson 
The choice of seed mixes (PDF)
                 Fred Denne, T. Denne & Sons
Guidance on establishing wildflower mixes on farms (PDF)
                Marek Novichowski, Wildlife Farming