Pollinating London Together

You can typically spot queens of the Early Bumblebee from March onwards. These common bees can be recognised by their orange bum and yellow bands. They are a relatively small species. Have you seen any this year? #PollinatingLT

My first Dark-edged Beefly of the year today, here in the Cotswolds. This is the earliest I've ever seen this common fly. Also, my first (native) Bluebell, Ramsons & Wood Anemone flowers of 2026 - my earliest ever wild bluebells.

Join the Pollinating London Together Annual Meeting on 30 March (5:30–8:30 PM) at Tower Suites. Reflect on the past year, explore 2025 survey findings, hear future plans, and connect with others working for a greener London. Free to attend! Info on the website. #PollinatingLT

Hairy footed flower bees are out and about, often one of the first solitary bees you can see in the year. They prefer to forage on long flowers such as lungwort. The females are all black with red hairs on the hind legs, the males are brown with hairy middle legs. #PollinatingLT

Did you know? Every part of the daffodil is poisonous to humans? However they also contain galantamine, a compound used in drugs that slow the progression of Alzheimers disease. #PollinatingLT

The Narcissus bulb fly (Merodon equestris) is a bumblebee mimicking hoverfly that can be a pest of flowers like daffodils. This is as larvae, the adults don’t mess with the bulbs. These fluffy flies have a small triangle on the hind leg as an identifying feature. #PollinatingLT

Don’t crush that ant; it could be planting a wildflower. Snowdrops have a remarkable relationship with ants. Snowdrop seeds contain a small fatty structure called an elaiosome, and this nutrient-rich coating is irresistible to ants. Ants carry the seed back to their nest as food for themselves and their young. They eat the elaiosome but discard the actual seed. It’s called myrmecochory, which is defined as seed dispersal by ants. The seed is then discarded, often near the ant nest, left in nutrient-rich soil, perfect for germination. You ask why this helps Snowdrops:- • Seeds spread away from the parent plant, which reduces competition • Reduces competition for space and nutrients • Seeds are planted at the ideal depth • Protection from predators like slugs and mice Essentially, ants are unpaid gardeners or a trade of services. If you notice snowdrops appearing in new spots over time, especially nearby rather than far away, ants are usually responsible. They typically move seeds only a few metres each year, creating those natural drifts seen in woodland gardens. In woodlands or natural gardens, don’t rush to tidy seed heads too early. Allow snowdrops to set seed. This is a plant you definitely want to go to seed! Let nature do the planting and thank the ANTS later. #antsinthegarden #snowdrops #snowdropflowers #snowdropgarden #snowdropseason

While we're wrapped up, it’s summer for the blue-banded bee (Amegilla spp) in Australia! Despite the name, not all blue-banded bees are blue. Some have white or green bands for example. Gotta love common names!  #PollinatingLT

Growing native plants can really boost biodiversity. The best way to help all sorts of wildlife is to create densely planted, nectar-rich spaces, with plenty of native plants – but it's okay to include some non-native garden favourites, too! Ideas: littlegreenspace.org.uk/features/nativ…

The Adonis Blue butterfly is currently overwintering as a tiny caterpillar on chalky grasslands. When they pupate, they will be carried underground by ants into the safety of their nests. Here they will be tended/milked until they come out as adult butterflies. #PollinatingLT

🌿🐝 New Monthly Blog: Creating Pollinator Habitat in Wintertime How winter actions can support bees, butterflies, hoverflies and more. Practical ideas for gardeners, communities and businesses to help pollinators thrive year-round. Find it on the website! #PollinatingLT

You can, and maybe should, start some flowers indoors now for spring blooms! Think of sweet peas, begonias & geraniums. You can find pollinator friendly planting suggestions on our website. #PollinatingLT

We’re excited to welcome our new PLT Ambassadors! They are leaders from within our partner organisations who have stepped up to champion urban biodiversity. We will start introducing them soon. Look out for the official Ambassador logo on email signatures across the City.

Did you know the City of London is a haven for wild bees? Our 2024 surveys recorded 8 different bumblebee species, 39 species of solitary bee, and 27 hoverfly species right here in the Square Mile! Not much longer to wait until we share our results from last year! Stay tuned…

Up to 4 billion hoverflies migrate to and from Britain each year! They head south in autumn and wait for the right winds to carry them between Britain and mainland Europe. #PollinatingLT

Responding to the urge to tidy the garden? Resist! Hollow stems and leaf piles are great spots for overwintering insects. By leaving the "mess" until spring, you’re not disturbing the next generation of beneficial insects. #PollinatingLT

Did you know, some pollinators hibernate as adults through the winter? Some notable examples include peacock and small tortoiseshell butterflies. Have you found any in your home? #PollinatingLT

Volunteers are needed to help plant London’s newest microforest! Microforests are perfect for urban spaces, as even small areas can have significant effects – from cooling urban environments to boosting biodiversity. More: littlegreenspace.org.uk/news/letting-g…

Those small street planters you walk past every day? They may not look like much but they serve an important purpose. Even a few flowering plants can act as stepping-stones that help pollinators move between bigger green spaces across the city. #PollinatingLT

This is the tree bumblebee, a relative newcomer to the UK arriving in 2001, now common across cities. They often nest in bird boxes, which puts them close to people and leads to a reputation for being ‘aggressive’. They’re not. Give them space, they’ll ignore you. #PollinatingLT