Pollinator Strategy - 2024 Progress Report

1. Aberdeen City Council reduction of intensive management of public greenspaces. (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Aberdeen City Council

Reduction of intensive management of public greenspaces. Several sites managed in a less intensive fashion at Culter Bypass, Fernielea Park, Kingswells Bypass, Eric Hendrie Park – Stonehaven Road, Riverside Drive, Garthdee Road, Raeden Park, Parkway former trunk road verges, Skene Road verges, and Riverview Drive. 

The Aberdeen Nectar Network creates and maintains wildflower meadows. Actions include ground preparation, and changes to grass-cutting regimes including a cut and collect of wildflower areas.

Aberdeen B-lines: project has made good progress over the last six months with enhancement works on eight sites. Since the start of the project around 5000 plug plants have been planted and roughly 30kg of native wildflower seed dispersed on sites. In addition, events were held to promote Aberdeen B-Lines, the Envirolution festival, Keep Scotland Beautiful awards ceremony and FIT (Flower Insect Timed) Count training events. 

Flagship Parks for Pollinators: Wildflower areas in parks established and successful. It is now business as usual to look after and develop these areas.

2. Aberdeenshire Pollinator Action Plan (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Aberdeenshire Council

Aberdeenshire Council’s Pollinator Action Plan covers the period to 2027. It recognises the need for urgent action to protect and enhance pollinator populations. The Action Plan is a cross-service document that identifies key areas of Council work up to March 2027 in alignment with the Pollinator Strategy for Scotland. A key aim is to have 10% of public greenspace managed for pollinators and biodiversity.

Yearly monitoring of the plan shows the majority of actions to be on track, with various works being delivered by a range of services within the Council.

Completed development of a guide to collecting seed and propagating local wildflowers.

Ranger Services ran a successful  B-Lines project with schools in the north of Aberdeenshire with children creating pollinator habitat in school grounds. 

Provided plants and materials to over 100 community groups to enhance habitat for pollinators in public greenspace.

3. Angus coastal grassland and meadow enhancements for pollinators (Long-term) and Montrose Space for Nature project. 

Changing grass-cutting regime and herbicide application on open sites in Montrose (Medium-term) 

Space for Nature Urban Trees (Medium-term)

Organisation(s): Angus Council, Tayside Biodiversity Partnership, Butterfly Conservation

Local communities and Angus Council continued to plant kidney vetch plug plants at numerous sites on the Angus coast in an effort to increase habitat connectivity for small blue butterfly. Kidney vetch ‘corridors’ have been enhanced in Angus since 2014. Recently, coastal active travel routes at Elliot and Carnoustie have been enhanced for pollinators with kidney vetch introduced on bare ground where path upgrades have taken place along the National Cycle Network.

A 2km stretch of cycle path is now down from 16 to two cuts per year, and yellow-rattle seeding has taken place, with the aim of suppressing grasses to allow wildflowers (and thus pollinators) to thrive. 

A change to cutting regime at Curlie and Borrowfield ponds in Montrose has increased areas of pollinator habitat around the boundary of the ponds and enhanced pollinator corridors across the town and out into the neighbouring rural area. 

Various sites in Montrose and Arbroath are managed for pollinators and this approach will be rolled out in more Angus burghs. Seeds provided by Scotia Seeds.

Nature Network connectivity through tree-lined corridors across Angus settlements. Gaps were identified across several towns and villages. A total of 490 standard trees and 154m of hedgerow have been planted since 2021. Species are selected to benefit pollinators and other wildlife including silver birch, hawthorn, holly, crab apple, rowan, and willow species.

4. Pollinator friendly approaches in Clackmannanshire

Organisation(s): Clackmannanshire Council

A proposed Pollinator Strategy 2024-2029 went out to consultation in autumn 2024. 400 Managed for Wildlife signs aimed at raising public awareness of new management of greenspace areas have been used. Great Outdoors, an Ochil Youth Project, included planting and growing in key locations for pollinators. Pollinator-friendly habitat creation and management was carried out in Alva Glen, Devon Meadow, Blairlogie Meadows, Menstrie, and Tillicoultry Glen.

5. Pollinator-friendly approaches in the Western Isles. (Medium-term)

Organisation(s): Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Working with RSPB's Corncrake Conservation initiative and crofters in the Western Isles to create and manage habitats that support both corncrakes and pollinators. 

Supporting Stòras Uibhist has enabled habitat improvements at several sites along the route of the Hebridean Way. This creates environments which support pollinators by providing essential food sources and potential nesting habitats.

Additionally, the Langass Woodland Nature Adventure Trail is being developed to promote habitat restoration while engaging the public through educational and recreational opportunities that support pollinators and biodiversity.

6. Management and enhancement of grassland areas across Dundee (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Dundee City Council

Currently manages 49 ha of naturalised grassland and 10 ha of biodiversity grasslands, 3.5 ha of perennial wildflower meadows and 1 ha of annual wildflower meadows across the city. In 2024 planted an additional 3 ha of new coastal biodiversity grassland as part of the new Broughty Ferry and Monifieth Active Travel Project. In the last three years the council has reduced its herbicide use by 45%. Nature Restoration Funding supported 28,000 native trees being planted in Dundee and allowed the purchase of new machinery to assist in the cut-and-lift management of these areas.

7. Pollinator-friendly planting and sympathetic regime of grass-cutting across substantial areas of East Ayrshire Council estate (Short-term)

Organisation(s): East Ayrshire Council

Coalfield Communities Landscape Partnership planted 1 ha of wildflowers. Hedgerow habitats project planted 600m of mixed hedge plants.

At the Council’s Annanhill Golf Course, five wildflower areas were created, rather than leaving as rough or mowing. These meadows add colour, attract pollinators, and further reduce the cutting regime.

8. Pollinator-friendly planting and sympathetic regime of grass cutting across substantial areas of council grounds. (Short-term)

Organisation(s): East Dunbartonshire Council

Three new areas scheduled for meadow creation in Lenzie and Bishopbriggs. In addition, existing meadows have been augmented with the planting of 8,800 wildflower plugs during corporate and community events. 

9. Habitat restoration and Nature Networks projects (Long-term)

Organisation(s): East Lothian Council

Levenhall Links habitat restoration continues with cutting and lifting of arisings. Musselburgh Library is engaged in a local public consultation to identify opportunities to enhance the libraries’ community greenspace for wildlife, including pollinators. 

Nature Network creation enhances habitats across East Lothian Council managed/owned parks and greenspaces. With Nature Restoration funding, East Lothian Council’s Amenity Services team delivered estimated 6.9 ha of naturalised grassland and 1.3 ha of wildflower meadows. North Berwick, Musselburgh, Dunbar, and Tranent areas planted with wildflowers as part of the Nature Network project.

Barns Ness Habitat Restoration for grassland scrub and rock rose planting. The first phase of work at Barns Ness started in autumn 2023 using Nature Restoration Funding. An old caravan site was cleared of undesirable infrastructure and stock-proof fencing was installed to allow a conservation grazing regime to be implemented. A limestone gravel bank was installed thanks to gravel donation from neighbouring Tarmac quarry. The gravel bank is sited in a sheltered south-facing location, a suntrap to allow pollinators to warm themselves. Vegetation around the bank is being managed by volunteers who sowed a dry meadow mix to supplement the existing wildflowers on site. 

10. Barrhead derelict land project (Short-term)

Organisation(s): East Renfrewshire Council

In partnership with SEPA and with funding from the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Vacant & Derelict Land Fund. 1 ha of derelict land restored to public greenspace by re-routing the Levern Water and creating a mosaic of wildflower areas. Wet meadow mix was sown along the river edge and within the new flood plain, and a standard meadow mix across the wider project site. The wildflowers have bloomed well in their first year and the whole site is accessible by new path network. The pollinator areas have become a popular place for people to walk and relax.

11. Pollinator-friendly approaches in Edinburgh (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Edinburgh City Council

55 native wildflower perennial meadows exist across city parks, including 5 created in 2024 using the Edinburgh Urban Pollinators seed mix. These are managed by Council maintenance team and external partners including TCV and Friends groups. Area involved totals 2.28 ha of wildflower meadow across the city. 102,000 wildflower bulbs were also planted across city parks. Meadows scheduled to be created over the coming months in cemeteries and golf courses by working closely with other services within the council to identify suitable opportunity areas.

Monitoring of priority pollinator species as part of annual wildlife monitoring in the Pentland Hills Regional Park. 

Water of Leith Conservation Trust created eight wildflower meadows.

RSPB community projects supported Portobello Community Permaculture group with meadow management including tools and yellow-rattle seed, and supported Cyrenians at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital gardens and orchard. The latter project was focussed on improving management of the orchard for pollinators and resources for grassland enhancement with wildflower plugs.

12. Management of parks and greenspaces for environmental benefits (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Falkirk Council

Falkirk Council continue to extend their Sustainable Grass Management Project.

A further set of new ‘Spaces for Nature’ sites have been enhanced with naturalised grass, meadow, and spring bulbs over the last 12 months. Some of these new sites were identified and designed through a Spaces for Nature Action Plan developed by consultants and funded by the Park Nature Restoration Fund from Greenspace Scotland. The Spaces for Nature project continues to identify further Council-owned greenspaces to be enhanced for biodiversity, including pollinators. ‘Spaces for Nature’ interpretation signs will be installed at 20 sites.

In 2023-24 a new ride-on mower, capable of cutting and lifting long grass, was purchased. In addition, a grass collection attachment was purchased for machinery used by the Helix Park, so they can manage their meadows better.

Transformation of ground after path/road construction work to wildflower meadow, where appropriate, to create pollinator habitat.

13. Fife Council grassland and meadow management (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Fife Council

78 ha of grassland meadows now under new maintenance regime (single cut and lift). 1.1 ha of ‘Fife Wildflowers Mix’ sown at 2g per square metre to increase wildflower diversity within Grassland Meadows. 45% of summer bedding designs now incorporating pollinator-friendly planting.

14. Habitat creation and management in Glasgow City Council area (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Glasgow City Council

Habitat Creation : Glasgow Buglife B-Lines and Green Connector project continue to expand and will help create Glasgow’s Nature Network, linking the city’s SSSIs, LNRs, LNCS and other greenspaces.

Glasgow City Council planted: 34,308 wildflower plugs over 1.14 ha (3 plugs per square metre). Just under 800,000 bulbs were planted over 1.15 ha. 56 1kg bags of wildflower mixed seed sown. TCV planted 2,724 wildflowers across the city at various sites.

Friends of Victoria Park carried out Beds for Bees Wildflower planting to encourage return of solitary bees. Area of amenity grass at Overnewton Park converted into a Beds for Bees with selection of pollinator-friendly plants donated by Repollinate/On the Verge

Habitat Management : 15 meadow sites across the city covering nearly 21 ha created as part of the Green Connectors project in 2021 are now managed with spring and summer perimeter cuts, and autumn cut-and-lift regimes.

Glasgow City Councils Pollinator Plan ensures that Scotland’s largest city has a positive approach to creating pollinator-friendly habitat. To this end Hogganfield Park Local Nature Reserve and Queen’s Park are now designated Pollinator Parks. 

‘Managed for Pollinators’ signage in use, making the link between biodiversity, pollinators and climate action.

15. Pocket meadow project in Highland area (Medium-term) 

Organisation(s): Highland Council

A further 30 meadows have been added to the Highlands mosaic of pocket meadows by communities and individuals. This increases the total list to 99 pocket meadows. High Life Highland Countryside Rangers continue to support groups adding to the meadow mosaic. Meadow Mosaic is supported by Highland Environment Forum.

Countryside Rangers organised the Highland Big Pollinator Count to collect data in August 2024 at pocket meadows and other wildflower meadows across the Highlands. An easy-to-access online form was created for people to submit their findings. 

A Bumblebee Safari event was held at John o’Groats in July. 

Cairngorms National Park Authority supported High Life Highland and local communities to create meadows in several settlements in Badenoch & Strathspey: Grantown-on-Spey, Carrbridge, Kingussie.

16.Pollinator-friendly practices in Inverclyde district (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Inverclyde Council

2024 saw a continuation of wildflowers being used in summer bedding schemes to encourage biodiversity and contribute to pollinator corridors. Wildflower meadow also sown. Sites covered include Gourock’s outdoor pool, walled garden, and Pierhead Gardens.

17. Meadow management improvements in Midlothian (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Midlothian Council

Volunteers have been working on all seven Midlothian Council-operated countryside sites. Ongoing meadow maintenance continues at sites, including Vogrie Country Park, Roslin Glen Country Park, Springfield Mill local biodiversity site and Straiton Local Nature Reserve. Funding from the Nature Restoration Fund enabled 0.8 ha of public space across 20 locations in Midlothian to be planted with pollinator bulbs and perennial wildflowers. 

18. Living Lawn and wildflower programme (Medium-term)

Organisation(s): Moray Council

39 sites planted with wildflowers or have adjusted mowing regimes to support pollinators. Maintenance and monitoring ongoing, signage has been used to engage public support for these improvements. The Council’s use of glyphosate-based herbicides reduced by almost 50% since February 2023; trials of alternative approaches to weed control continue to be monitored. The Council’s wildflower programme has been promoted at North East Scotland Biodiversity Partnership and Moray Climate Action Network events, alongside social media communications in collaboration with these partners and local environmental charities.

19. Wildflower planting in town parks (Medium-term)

Organisation(s): North Lanarkshire Council

Areas of amenity grassland have been improved in 8 town parks by the creation of native biodiversity meadows. The parks are in Airdrie, Glenboig, Coatbridge, Wishaw and Motherwell. Wildlife has already moved in with water vole enjoying the new habitat in one of the parks.

North Lanarkshire undertook a No Mow trial this year to help create natural corridors to support and enhance local wildlife. Eight sites were selected from across North Lanarkshire with input from those who maintain the areas, and consultation with communities. The sites were surveyed to determine species diversity after a few months of no mow. Six were identified as beneficial to biodiversity with a good range of floral diversity and several pollinators recorded despite poor weather. These six sites are now retained as wildflower meadow, with one annual grass cut and lift of cuttings.

The council are repeating the process in 2025 to further increase the council’s area of land managed to benefit biodiversity and nature networks.

20. Ayrshire Nectar Network (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Scottish Wildlife Trust, North Ayrshire Council, South Ayrshire Council, Ayrshire Community Trust

Leading on from the success of the Irvine to Girvan Nectar Network, the Ayrshire Nectar Network will expand the network away from the coast and into North Ayrshire, connecting new and old habitat for pollinators.

To date, 8 ha of wildflower meadow has been created. 5 ha of which used green hay seed from the original donor meadows at the Beach Park, Irvine. 

A total of fourteen large meadow sites have been created in North Ayrshire. This year, the Council’s partner SWT has received queries from external sources regarding the possibility of using/purchasing cuttings from North Ayrshire’s meadows.

The project has carried out habitat opportunity mapping, using a Geographic Information System model, to identify viable gap sites in the pollinator habitat network. This will enable the partners to monitor and evaluate the impacts of activities on pollinator populations at various sites within the Nectar Network using SWT’s bespoke landscape-scale monitoring method, combining professional techniques paired with citizen science. This in turn will facilitate large-scale habitat creation and enhancement, including advice on ground preparation, use of green hay, wildflower sowing, tree planting and bringing existing meadows under appropriate management. 

Established Pollinator-Friendly Communities to support community-led action to plan for habitat creation and enhancement. 

Facilitated and delivered skills training and experience in seed collection, sowing and native tree propagation with the development of a North Ayrshire-based plant nursery at Eglinton Community Gardens. The nursery will provide a source of plants and trees from locally-collected seed. The nursery is a collaboration between the Ayrshire Nectar Network, Eadha Enterprise and North Ayrshire Countryside Ranger Service. 

21. Verges for nature work (Medium-term)

Organisation(s): Orkney Council

Councillors approved a reduced mowing regime for verges outwith settlements in 2025. This will help create an Orkney-wide nature network along the road verges that will allow wildflowers to gain a foothold, benefiting pollinators and other wildlife. There are plans to trial use of yellow-rattle where verges are dominated by grasses, with advice from the Species on the Edge Great Yellow Bumblebee project officer. 

22. Planning Pollinator Pathways (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Renfrewshire Council

Working in partnership with the Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network to identify existing and potential habitat networks for species-rich grassland, lowland wetland and woodland. 

Restoration and conservation of 220 ha of pollinator rich habitat due to start in October 2024.

23. Pollinator-friendly planting and community engagement in Scottish Borders (Medium-term)

Organisation(s): Scottish Borders Council

Continued to expand on the number and size of managed wildflower sites within greenspaces across the Scottish Borders.

Implemented a revised grass-cutting pilot on three amenity grass routes in both urban and rural localities where sites identified (and agreed with local communities) were left to naturalise during the growing season. The reduced cutting regime benefitted pollinators. Pilot currently being reviewed to determine potential to expand to other grass-cutting routes.

Working with the local community to create a new community garden in Kelso which includes planting of pollinator-friendly species.

Implementing the Pollinators Along The Tweed project (as part of the Destination Tweed project) with Buglife to enhance existing naturalised grass areas by introducing wildflowers, bulbs, etc. Agreed management regimes in place to ensure successful establishment and maintenance of the sites.

Large scale planting of wildflowers along a new Active Travel Network footpath in Peebles.

Community consultation and development of a site/habitat management plan for Gala Policies, an area of urban woodland and grassland in Galashiels.

24. Wildflower meadow creation and management in South Lanarkshire (Medium-term)

Organisation(s): South Lanarkshire Council

Reduction of intensively-managed grassland continues throughout the region with the intention of improving habitat for pollinators. A pilot project in East Kilbride (in partnership with local volunteers and Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network as part of their Clyde Grasslands project) has seen mowing and management regimes altered, monitoring the species composition through surveys, and installation of signage and updates to grasslands page on Council website to promote the project. Establishing Nature Networks includes mapping of key and priority habitats including grassland.

25. Stirling Council Pollinator Plan (Long-term)

https://www.gcvgreennetwork.gov.uk/our-blueprint-hub/clyde-grasslands

Organisation(s): Stirling Council

The Council continues its commitment to reducing the area of intensively-managed grass and following a reduced management regime. Sites that have had grassland ‘re-wilded’ carry awareness-raising signage to familiarise the public with the work and reasoning for the amended maintenance. Several further sites were added to the plan in 2024.

26. Enhancement of public greenspaces for nature (Long-term)

Organisation(s): West Dunbartonshire Council

85 ha of grassland is now under cut and lift management to reduce nutrients. Area includes species rich meadows as well as former amenity cut grassland plots scattered throughout the district.

In 2024 a botanical monitoring project assessed 25 former cut amenity grassland sites, the council put biodiversity signs on these plots to raise awareness of the works and their value for biodiversity.

These 25 sites all had a mixture of additional enhancements such as cut-and-lift, spring bulbs, wildflower meadows or strips, and tree planting incorporated into them.

The enhancement works have taken place over a five-year period and the survey work enables a measure as to how well the sites are performing.

Work with GCVGN to map grassland sites continues and consideration is ongoing to see how they may be incorporated into Nature Networks.

27. West Lothian pollinator-friendly actions (Long-term)

Organisation(s): West Lothian Council

Managing 24 wildflower meadows, seven sites of high-density bulb planting, and nine raingardens in parks. Additional bulbs were planted by community groups in three parks this year, to support early pollinators. Flowering and fruiting trees have also been added to some parks.

The Ecology & Biodiversity Team (E&BD) contracted Buglife Scotland to monitor 21 council wildflower meadows for four years, and to carry out three community engagement workshops per year. The E&BD team, with the Ranger Service, also ran bug hunts at three Wild Wednesday events in July 2024 – engaging adults and children in pollinator identification workshops and recording observations using iNaturalist.

A grassland management strategy is being prepared. This will enable further reduction of mowing areas (where appropriate) through consultation and community engagement, to boost habitats for pollinators and to help connect nectar-rich meadows.

Planning applications which provide flowering perennials, hedgerows, trees, and wetlands / SUDS, together with bee/butterfly banks as part of their biodiversity enhancement measures, were encouraged by the E&BD team, in accordance with NPF4 Policy 3.

28. Creation of meadows in Caithness using wildflowers nurtured in polytunnels in Lairg (Short-term)

Organisation(s) - Forestry and Land Scotland

Creation and management of meadow at Sibster, near Halkirk. Over 1,000 plants supplied to community at Newton Hill (Caithness), and 2,500 plants provided for Community/School group in East Caithness. Working with Species on the Edge team has helped with the above planting. In 2025 FLS plan to grow another large batch of wildflowers to enhance existing sites.

29. Park Managers’ Forum (Medium-term)

Organisation(s): Greenspace Scotland

Meeting at Lyne Burn, Dunfermline looked at nature-based solutions for biodiversity restoration, areas of relaxed mowing, community gardening, community regeneration and landscape architecture in greenspace strategies. This followed an on-line forum which looked at nature restoration and biodiversity, green space strategies and community growing. Hosted Nature Networks and Nature Restoration in urban greenspaces event, with case studies from Aberdeen City Council (Flagship parks for Pollinators), East Lothian Council (Improving Nature Networks for communities), and City of Edinburgh (Linking Leith’s Parks).

30. Encouraging the inclusion of pollinator needs by creating a pollinator-friendly award recognising community creation of space managed for pollinators. (Medium-term)

Organisation(s): KSB, NatureScot

Annual awards for effective community-focused pollinator-friendly projects under the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ scheme run by KSB; award funded by NatureScot. This event is now in its seventh year and NatureScot provide wildflower seed packs and Managed for Wildlife signs to all entrants.

31. Targeted installation of biodiversity enhancements across operational sites. 

Post-construction reinstatement incorporating hedgerows, mixed planting regimes and pollinator friendly landscaping on land holdings (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Scottish Water

Biodiversity enhancements, including pollinator-friendly landscaping, have been rolled out across offices and operational sites in Scotland. This practice has yielded benefits in reduced maintenance and energy costs at sites, and in addition greenspaces for staff and local residents to enjoy.

Pollinator-friendly landscaping as a first principle of reinstatement for construction activities around operational water and wastewater treatment works across Scotland. Examples include Daldowie and Laighpark Wastewater Treatment Works in the greater Glasgow area, where grasscrete paving, hedgerows, mixed grasses and native wildflower mixes were used to landscape the grounds. 

A new biodiversity garden has been proposed on the northern shores of Carron Valley Reservoir. The design incorporates native hedgerow planting, an orchard, beetle banks and bee banks.

32. Buglife Scotland B-Lines (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Buglife Scotland

1) In partnership with Aberdeen City Council. Project to create and restore 20 ha of habitats, B-Lines, following the course of the Rivers Dee and Don in Aberdeen. So far, 6.5 ha of land has been enhanced for pollinators. This work has been achieved through seeding, plug planting and changes in land management. The project has also engaged the local community via school visits, volunteering events, pollinator walks, workshops and FIT count training sessions. Habitat work continued in autumn 2024.

2) In partnership with Angus and Perth & Kinross Councils, along with Tayside Biodiversity Partnership and River South Esk Catchment Partnership. The Strathmore B-lines project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Gannochy Trust completed in April 2024. Almost 25 ha of wildflower-rich habitat was created and enhanced through sowing native wildflower seed, changing grassland-cutting regimes, creating native hedgerows, and planting over 5,000 wildflower bulbs and native plug plants. 42 events and activities were delivered engaging over 550 people, this included running sessions with schools and colleges. Volunteers contributed 851 hours to the project in practical habitat creation, enhancement and management, and carried out FIT Counts and pollinating insect surveys. Angus Council have committed to actively manage 2.35 ha of land within the project at various sites at Montrose, Edzell, Kirriemuir, Brechin, and Glen Lethnot. A change to the cutting regime across the sites has been introduced to either once per year or, where necessary, twice per year with cuttings removed. Management plans are in place, and sites will be monitored to ensure appropriate management continues.

33. Pollinators along the Tweed (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Buglife 

Working with the Tweed Forum and Scottish Borders Council this Buglife-led partnership creates habitat for pollinators along the River Tweed B-Line. Pollinators Along the Tweed will create of pollinator habitat across 50 sites. To date over 6.5 ha of wildflower-rich habitat has been created across 16 sites with more sites earmarked for enhancement. 57 events held which attracted over 900 people. 

Buglife have promoted participation in FIT Count monitoring as part of their wider work on pollinators, including the use of the new PoMS projects feature to collate FIT Counts as part of the "Pollinators along the Tweed" project. 

34. Pollinator friendly habitat creation around electricity substation (Long-term)

Caithness road verge enhancement (L)

Organisation(s): BBCT, Consultants WSP, SSEN

Meadow creation at Thurso South substation, managed by Scottish and Southern Energy Networks continues. Following sowing of a tailored pollinator wildflower seed mix on 10 ha around substation near Thurso, in 2020 a Great Yellow Bumblebee was recorded for the first time on the site. Further sightings were recorded in 2021 by BBCT staff. Follow-up management in 2022 successfully knocked back areas of coarse grass that had started to encroach. Further monitoring surveys are planned for 2025 and SSEN plan to take forward a case study on the site.

Enhancement of target road verges in Caithness for benefit of Great Yellow bumblebee populations. Great Yellow bumblebee: On the Verge project commenced a development phase in 2023. Funding applications are being made for a 4-year delivery phase, including a year of public consultation. In collaboration with the Highland Council, BBCT will write an optimal plan which will seek to boost the populations of the Great Yellow bumblebee and other key pollinating insects, balancing the need for road safety considerations. 

35. Biodiversity measures around ScotRail estate (Long-term)

Organisation(s): ScotRail

Three more stations have been developed by TCV to improve biodiversity. Reduced mowing of greenspaces at stations, 1,230 m² of wildflower meadow have been established and maintained, 590 native tree species planted.

School STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) sessions at depot biodiversity projects to carry out species surveys and engage with nature. Learning event organised for Station Adopters to promote nature-friendly planting and encourage the use of local provenance native species.

36. Enhancement of the Scottish canal network vegetation to favour pollinators, and the creation of new, wildflower-rich towpath-side grasslands, hedgerows and orchards. (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Scottish Canals

Forth & Clyde, Monkland and Union: Enhancement of canal towpath-side meadows through pollinator-friendly mowing regimes. Trialled ‘No Mow May’ at the Falkirk Wheel and the area was transformed into a visually dynamic and beautiful. A new native hedgerow was also planted around the campervan parking area. This year also marked the 20th anniversary of planting the 650m-long native hedgerow at the Kelpies site at the eastern end of the Forth & Clyde Canal, which has grown into an important biodiversity resource and landscape feature.

Wildflower seed planting at access points in the Camelon area of the Forth & Clyde Canal with local primary schools to improve pollinator provision and aesthetic quality.

Caledonian Canal: Low-intensity mowing regime to favour pollinators along our towpaths creates a visual spectacle of wildflowers and grasses for land- and water-based visitors.

Crinan Canal: Mowing regime to favour wildflowers including a wide variety of orchids and to provide food plants for the local marsh fritillary population. 

Canal network wide: Control of invasive non-native terrestrial plants.

37. Sympathetic mowing of grounds around NMS Collection Centre in Granton (Medium-term)

Organisation(s): National Museum of Scotland

Changes to grounds maintenance implemented since 2021. Yellow-rattle sown into several areas, to promote greater plant diversity, has spread and a complimentary Scottish lowland wildflower-mix was sown in the main area of grassland. Majority of grassland left to grow throughout Spring and Summer, with just edges and pathways cut. A cut and uplift is carried out at the end of the growing season, with 20% left uncut, to provide winter cover. 

Staff and volunteers participate in long-term monitoring of invertebrates. In 2024 work focused on engagement, with improvements to the on-site signage and a short film created to promote the work.

38. The John Muir Pollinator Way is an inspirational landscape-scale project with considerable pollinator corridor potential. This was Scotland’s first B-Line and created a connected habitat network along the route (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Buglife, Green Action Trust

SG, NatureScot, CSGNT and Greggs Foundation funding meant proposed target number of pollinator hotspots was exceeded. 32 sites, eight ha, along the 134-mile John Muir Way, created and enhanced, working in partnership with Local Authorities. An audit has been carried out reviewing opportunities to extend the project remit beyond the immediate confines of the route.

Green Action Trust partners with Local Authorities on many projects, in Inverclyde over 6 ha of new habitat created across 20 sites in Greenock and Port Glasgow, funded through Inverclyde Council’s Nature Restoration Fund allocation and delivered by Green Action Trust.

39. Beds for Bees (Medium-term)

Organisation(s): RePollinate

Scheme offering practical and financial support for community groups aiming to make their local greenspace as pollinator-friendly as possible.

40. Increasing promotion of management and creation of pollinator-friendly road verges nationwide (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Plantlife

Managing Grassland Road Verges publication is now an established and important resource which further enhances the argument that roadside verges managed for wildlife are a pollinator advantage. 

41. Contributing to BeeWalk project (Medium-term)

Organisation(s): Plantlife

Guided BeeWalks run monthly at three north coast locations providing participants with the skills and knowledge required to set up their own BeeWalks and improve their bumblebee ID skills. Ongoing work with Scottish Countryside Rangers Association Junior Rangers in open days to help public carry out FIT Counts and BeeWalks.

42. Creation of pollinator-friendly landscaping around NatureScot estate (Long-term)

Organisation(s): NatureScot

At Golspie office the planting of apple and plum trees, along with creation of a meadow area, has significantly enhanced the area around this office for pollinators. At Creag Meagaidh NNR, area around public picnic areas planted with various fruit trees and hedging. Continuation of pollinator trails at various NNRs (including Flanders Moss, Taynish, Creag Meagaidh and St Cyrus) to raise awareness of pollinator issues and offer suggestions for individuals and communities to help pollinators.

43. Creation of pollinator-friendly habitat around Holyrood Park, and Scotland’s Abbey network (Long-term) 

Organisation(s): Historic Environment Scotland

At Holyrood Park, Dryburgh, Iona and Melrose Abbeys pollinator-friendly planting and mowing regimes have been introduced. Holyrood Park hosted 76 butterfly transects, which returned over 600 records of 19 species. In addition, 30 bumblebee transects were carried out and several hundred native wildflower plugs were planted in an establishing meadow. 

44. Management & Maintenance of the National Trunk Road verges and embankments – providing a vital resource that support plant and animal communities and ecological connectivity (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Transport Scotland

Natural Capital – development of a natural capital baseline assessment for the entire network (including a 1km buffer area for connectivity). This recorded a range of habitats and associated ecosystem services, including an innovative approach to assessing pollination, based on the NATURE tool.

Species-rich seeding – a trial of native ground-cover species on the network has led to the adoption of species-rich seeding across the verges and central reserves for the entire A9 Dualling Programme, providing enhanced habitat and connectivity for pollinators.

Native Woodland Creation – establishment of over 90 ha of native woodland and under-seeding across four sites all registered with the Woodland Carbon Code as part of the agency’s carbon management plan, with additional benefits for local biodiversity.

Biodiversity Net Gain – adoption of BNG principles in the assessment and design of major infrastructure schemes.

Contract Supply – development of contracts for the supply of native wildflower and grass species (and planting) for use throughout the A9 Dualling Programme over the next 10 years, guaranteeing the most appropriate species are available in the quantity, quality and at the right time to maximise the ecological value of the relevant schemes.

45. Climate FORTH (Fife, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire, Stirling) Medium-term

Organisation(s): Inner Forth Futures

Design, planning and consultation works on two green spaces to lead into future works on the project (Financial Years 24-25 & 25-26) as follows:

Falkirk (Rannoch Park ) – Design / planning for up to 7,000 m² of new meadow to be sown and future creation of wetland scrape/s.

Stirling (Glendevon Drive) – Design / planning for up to 995 m² of new meadow to be sown.

46. Species Rich Grasslands (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Cairngorms National Park

Mapping of grassland habitats and getting grassland into better management for botanical diversity, which will benefit pollinators. Speyside Fields For Wildlife is a local charity which works towards creating meadows for wildlife, both short-term opportunistic habitat and also long-term perennial meadows. They help landowners to create, manage and enhance meadows by providing expertise and equipment (see 2023 report) 

47. Clyde Grasslands (Long-term)

Organisation(s): GCVGN

GCVGN published their Species Rich Grassland Opportunity Mapping Study in 2023, with project partners Plantlife Scotland, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, and Butterfly Conservation. The report (by SAC Consulting) combined spatial data with biological records to identify areas of species-rich grasslands across eight local authorities of Glasgow City Region. The work highlighted that grassland habitat patches were highly fragmented and under threat from urban expansion and agricultural practices. Funded by Nature Restoration Fund.

The draft Grassland Nature Networks are used by local authorities to inform decision-making and target resources. Used in North Lanarkshire to prioritise survey work in 123 Local Nature Conservation Sites, nine Local Nature Reserves and at Palacerigg Country Park. This year it has resulted in over 6ha of new grassland creation across sites in Greenock and Port Glasgow in Inverclyde; in South Lanarkshire it has targeted meadow creation in East Kilbride; and in East Dunbartonshire it has been used to trial different approaches to meadow creation across a number of sites.

This work has developed a better understanding of the pros and cons of different approaches to habitat creation, some of the barriers local authorities have encountered, and the importance of communication and engagement with communities. 

In addition to work with local authorities, GCVGN are working with the biodiversity team of University of Glasgow’s GALLANT project. Discussions with Amey, road network managers in Scotland, on the role road verges can play in creating linear habitat connections.

48. Tweed Meadows Project (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Merlindale Nature

The Tweed Meadows Project has started restoration and creation of over 55 ha of species-rich hay meadow across the Scottish Borders. A variety of management techniques are being trialled including mob-grazing with NoFence collared cattle, manual cutting, horse-drawn machinery and hay-making with local farmers. Initial results have been positive with most sites showing an increase in floral diversity and pollinators. The project has successfully engaged local communities and hopes to inspire many more landowners to create a biodiverse network of meadows along the River Tweed. 

1. PollMap (Long-term)

Organisation(s): NatureScot

NatureScot has developed and published a spatial mapping resource to better understand the habitat resources available to pollinators on a landscape scale. This is available on the NatureScot website, as a web-mapping application available via a dashboard. The mapping will help with understanding what habitats are where, and their suitability as resources for pollinators. It will also help identify areas where positive changes could be made to enhance the resource for pollinators. A story map has also been provided which explains more about pollinators and what they need in terms of habitat for their whole life cycles (including signposting to relevant resources), explain the rationale behind the mapping and caveats relating to data resolution.

1. Supporting and sustaining a healthy honey bee population and beekeeping industry in Scotland through continuing to implement the measures set out in the Honey Bee Health Strategy for Scotland (HBHS) (S)

Organisation(s): SG, SASA, SRUC, Bee Farmers’ Association and SBA

SG in collaboration with the Bee health Improvement Partnership (BHIP) published its second 10-year Honey Bee Health Strategy 2022-2032 in 2022. The main aim of the strategy is ‘Working in partnership to achieve a healthy and sustainable population of honey bees in Scotland’ and the BHIP meet regularly to agree priorities and monitor progress. 

The Implementation Plan is a working document detailing the actions required to deliver the aims of this strategy and updates are regularly published. 

The Plan contains an action to educate beekeepers and raise awareness of the potential impact managed honey bees have on wild pollinators. Through presentations to local associations, the BHIP deliver education on responsible beekeeping which includes the impact of managed bees on wild pollinators. This topic has also been highlighted through beekeeping magazine articles. The BHIP’s progress is detailed in their Annual Report.

2. Imported bees: Identifying actions required to minimise the risks of managed bees (imported and locally produced) to native pollinator species.

Reviewing the pathways by which commercially-produced pollinators enter Scotland to determine scale and biosecurity risks.

Developing a suite of tests and a standardised process to assess bumblebee health; ensure best practice guidance is available for pollinator box users. (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Scottish Bee Inspectorate

The Scottish Bee Inspectorate has strong certification procedures to ensure disease and pest freedom of imported bees into Scotland. Furthermore, these certification procedures are bolstered with a risk-based approach to post-import checks.

Following Brexit, GB has a third-country trading relationship with the EU. Domestic legislation avoids the import of colonies and packages of honey bees directly into GB with the exemption of New Zealand. The only imports of honey bees allowed, other than from New Zealand, are queen bees with up to 20 attendants. Post-import checks on these imported queens have also been strengthened as a result of the third country status.

The Honey Bee Health Strategy (HBHS) supports beekeeper education and local breeding to reduce requirement for imported honey bees and potential impact of disease. The HBHS and SG Bee Health team contribute towards reducing honey bee losses through improved disease control, thus reducing the requirements for imports, and generally raising the health status of managed (honey) bees and their wild neighbours.

3. A statement on the interplay between wild bumblebees and managed honeybees (Medium-term)

Organisation(s): BBCT

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust has a position statement on the interactions between managed honey bee colonies and wild bumblebees with recommendations for minimising conflict.

1.Ongoing awareness-raising of the invasive non-native Yellow-legged hornet, also known as Asian hornet, through the contingency plan and associated guidance on BeeBase and SG Bee Health pages (Medium-term)

Organisation(s): SG, SASA, SBA

Scottish Government published its Yellow-legged Asian hornet Contingency Plan in April 2024 to tackle any incidences of this invasive insect in Scotland. SG Bee Inspectors are receiving vital training in the field by assisting the National Bee Unit (NBU) with their yellow-legged hornet response in the south of England. 

Continued awareness-raising activities through both public engagement activities and communication channels to encourage extra vigilance and highlight how to spot and report the Yellow-legged hornet. 

SG attend regular meetings with GB-wide groups to exchange information and updates are regularly forwarded to relevant audiences.

2.Species on the Edge – project includes habitat creation, surveying, land manager engagement, public engagement and monitoring (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Bat Conservation Trust, BBCT, Buglife, Butterfly Conservation, NatureScot, Plantlife, RSPB

Species on the Edge is a partnership between NatureScot and seven conservation organisations. It is working to secure a future for 37 priority species found on Scotland’s coasts and islands. Through nine species project plans delivered across seven project areas, Species on the Edge is carrying out a range of activities including survey and monitoring, habitat management and creation and engaging with landowners and communities to build awareness and capacity. Bees on the Edge is one of the projects within Species on the Edge. It focusses on the Great Yellow bumblebee, the Moss Carder bumblebee and the Northern Colletes mining bee. Work for pollinators also takes place under Rockin’ the Blues and a Brighter Future for Herb-Rich Pastures. 

3.Agri-Environment Climate Scheme, under the SRDP (Long-term)

Organisation(s): NatureScot

Agri-environment funding for pollinators is being accessed via this scheme. 80% of crops grown in Scotland rely on insect pollination.

NatureScot is acting in partnership with Scottish Government in delivering the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS),

There are currently 2,863 AECS contracts in place, with a total value of £142 million.

AECS contracts include many actions that directly benefit pollinators on arable land and on semi-natural habitats. For example, creation of hedgerows, grass strips in arable fields, species-rich grassland management, cropped machair management.

The scheme has been running annual application rounds since 2015, with more restricted rounds in some years. Another round of the scheme will be held in 2025.

4.NatureScot is working with Scottish Government to develop a new agriculture policy post-2024 (Medium-term)

Organisation(s): NatureScot

Focus on maintaining stability of current farming support scheme architecture, taking forward pilots to inform future rural support, and advising on the development of future agriculture and rural support to help address the climate change emergency (see 2019 IPCC report) and biodiversity crisis (see 2019 IPBES report).

A new Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024 that will provide the framework and the powers for developing future support systems including nature restoration was adopted by the Scottish Parliament in June.

As part of its Farming with Nature programme NatureScot has been trialling different approaches, such as piloting an outcome-based approach and developing a biodiversity audit tool to be used by farmers and crofters. This would allow them to manage their land to promote biodiversity and was being trialled during Summer 2024.

5.Public engagement projects in Glasgow City Council area. (Long-term)

Organisation(s): Glasgow City Council

Public Engagement : TCV ran scything workshops at five sites including Anderston Greenspaces and Alexandra Park Food Forest. RSPB worked with school pupils and local community to design a new urban meadow across Springburn. Community volunteers helped plant 600 hedge plants,1,000 plug plants and wildflower seed was sown in the area next to Springburn Academy. RSPB committed to a further 2 ha of meadow creation in Springburn.

What’s Bugging Glasgow environmental education display by the Hunterian (in conjunction with University of Glasgow) at the Kelvin Hall highlighted the conservation value of insects, the challenges they face and the actions that are being carried out to help.

In addition to eight active butterfly transects in Glasgow, Bumblebee Conservation Trust (BBCT) co-ordinated 12 Beewalk transects within the city with three returning data this year

Bee keeping and Biodiversity Factsheet includes advice to help reduce competition with native pollinators.

Current practice when an application is received for a hive on an allotment site is to provide the Factsheet which requires additional nectar-rich planting to offset potential increased competition with native pollinators. Consensus amongst allotment association members is reached before siting; and for those using beehives to have appropriate training before installation.

6.NHS Scotland greenspace management (Long-term)

Organisation(s): NHS Scotland

NHS greenspaces are a valuable resource for patients and nature alike. NHS boards are surveying their estates, working closely with environmental organisations, and impressing upon staff the multiple benefits good outdoor spaces offer. 

The Clyde Grasslands project drew together several regional local authorities – East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire and West Dunbartonshire – and identified opportunities for nature connectivity and pollinator-friendly sites. 

7. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh helps provide suitable habitat for pollinators in the city through targeted planting, whilst highlighting the presence and role of pollinators to visitors (Long-term)

Organisation(s): RBGE

On-site pollinator-friendly and visitor-engaging plantings include:

An annual ‘pictorial meadow’ of c. 40 native wildflower species and large ‘living lawn’ areas, encouraging visitors to think about different forms of meadow landscapes and to create similar habitats in their own communities, whilst providing valuable nectar sources during the season.

A bed sown with wild-collected prairie plant seed, to study whether these species are now suited to Scotland’s increasingly warm summers whilst contributing to ex situ conservation of threatened prairie species.

Additional plantings of nectar-rich herbaceous perennials in the Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden.

A demonstration ‘bug hotel’ in the Demonstration Garden to support overwintering and nesting.

In addition, winter garden management practices for established beds are being modified to provide standing stems for overwintering insect habitat.

The Nature-Based Solutions team is expanding work with urban greening for biodiversity and climate resilience, including pollinator-friendly green roofs and plantings, and by providing advice to off-site organisations.

A long-running volunteer phenology-recording project documents annual changes in flowering time across the RBGE estate, highlighting pollinator-impacting shifts due to climate change.

A Bioblitz is planned for the Edinburgh Garden in 2025, which will record all biodiversity including pollinators.

8. Downloadable guides offering tips and encouragement for wildlife-friendly gardening (Short-term)

Organisation(s): Keep Scotland Beautiful / Garden for Life Forum

A number of resources are available on the Garden for Life page on the KSB website. These offer advice geared to supporting sustainable gardening in a way which benefits biodiversity.

9. Providing regular updates, news and features on pollinator-related activity through the Scotland’s Pollinator blog and the associated Twitter feed (Short-term)

Organisation(s): NatureScot

Publishing blogs, social media posts, children’s resources, and website updates on pollinator-related matters. Over 2,000 Twitter (‘X’) followers, with blogs rising from 4,500 views in 2019 to over 20,000 in both 2023 and 2024.

10. Native wildflower seeds for gardens and communities (Short-term)

Organisation(s): NatureScot

We provide, on request, native wildflower seeds, both small packets for individuals to use in containers and window boxes, and larger ‘community packets’ for schools and community groups.

11. Skills for Bees, and Bee the Change. (Medium-term)

Organisation(s): BBCT 

Skills for Bees: Rare bumblebee surveys and training of public in bumblebee identification and survey & monitoring techniques in the Cairngorms National Park. Fieldwork started in 2022 and aims to train the public (including Park staff, ranger teams, and landowners) in bumblebee ID and monitoring within the Cairngorms National Park. Alongside this aim, and using these new surveyors, the project carries out bumblebee surveys with a particular focus on rare and scarce species.The goal of the project is to enhance the understanding of the current status of bumblebees within the Park, while establishing a legacy of bumblebee recorders and long-term monitoring. 

Plans for 2025 include looking at the expansion in Tree bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) numbers, conducting more upland bumblebee surveys, and creating fact sheets on rare species.

Bee the Change is a BBCT website set up to provide quick, simple ways that the public can help bumblebees. It includes numerous free how-to guides and resources, mostly around gardening in a bumblebee-friendly manner. This includes planting for certain months, helping hibernating bumblebees, letting your lawn grow and much more. Recent publication of a new garden resource provides simple advice to home gardeners on how to remove pesticides from the garden, and why.

12. Continuing to develop guidance, tailored to a range of audiences (farmers, councils, schools, gardeners), on practical action to help pollinators. (Short-term)

Organisation(s): BBCT, Buglife, Butterfly Conservation

A wide range of guidance continues to be published on these organisations’ websites. For example, BBCT and RSPB jointly published a factsheet on managing golf courses for bumblebees, hard copies are available on request. 

Butterfly Conservation have created a new guide to making and maintaining habitats for butterflies and moths in Scotland, with particular focus on urban areas.

Bumblebee Conservation Trust have published a Bumblebee Manifesto and Tree Planting Statement which can be found on their website. 

13. Working with partners, including policymakers and those with practical skills in the management of habitats, to raise public awareness and understanding of the needs and status of pollinator populations. Video guidance and information for farmers. (Short-term)

Organisation(s): SFAS, SRUC, Soil Association

SFAS practical guides continue to be available online via the Farm Advisory Service’s Environmental Portal:

• Why and How to Increase Pollinators on Your Farm
• Pollinator Types and Food Sources on Small Units
• 10 Steps To Helping Pollinators On Small Units

Podcast highlighting the role that Moths play in our ecosystem in conjunction with Butterfly Conservation.

Targeted information for Land Management for the Great Yellow Bumblebee is now available through the FAS environmental portal.

SRUC and SFAS have provided on-farm events targeted to enhancing the environmental sustainability of grassland farms. Written outputs included a practical guide on Encouraging Pollinators without costing production .

An online toolkit is available to help farmers selec

SFAS works with Net Zero Arran, on climate change benchmarking, and exploring the island for nature conservation opportunities, supported by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. This farmer-led focus group is implementing land management practices targeted to pollinators.t site-specific mixtures for establishment of multi-species swards. 

14. Grand challenges in entomology: Priorities for action in the coming decades (Long-term)

Organisation(s): SRUC

Identify challenges in entomology such as key gaps in knowledge with respect to plant pollinator networks. Results published in Insect Conservation and Diversity.  

15. Universities Innovation Fund — Edges and Hedges (Short-term)

Organisation(s): SRUC/SAC Consulting

This completed project explored the benefits of field edges and hedges for multiple benefits including insect pollinators. Outputs included the creation of a practical guide to help arable farmers manage their field edges and hedges for multiple ecosystem services and this was widely disseminated through blogs and press articles.

16. Illustrating what public good looks like on Scottish Farms (pollinators are listed as a public good) to demonstrate the public benefits generated by farm support schemes and nature-friendly practices (Long-term)

Organisation(s): NatureScot

Producing the nature hero series to inspire and showcase contributions to biodiversity. A number of these examples have received funding from AECS

Monitoring the outcomes generated by the current SRDP/AECS scheme on Scottish farms. Two reports have been published (a case study evaluation and heat map report) showing the value for pollinators

Publishing some illustrative case studies on public good associated with different farming systems

Supporting projects working to improve biodiversity for example the GWCT Balgownie demonstration site which uses pollen mixtures and wild bird mixtures and the farmer cluster PepsiCo FAB (Farmland Arable Biodiversity) project led by the GWCT and PepsiCo which works with arable farmers to use wild bird and pollinator seed mixes.

Gathering evidence from across Europe on ways in which land managers are encouraged to deliver environmental outcomes on farmland to inform future rural policy. For example participating in projects such as the Interreg-funded PARTRIDGE Working with Scottish Government to develop advice for farmers and crofters for improving biodiversity through the Farm Advisory Services.

17. Kinross raingardens (Medium-term)

Organisation(s): Perth & Kinross Council

In conjunction with Kinross Civic Trust and the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership, the first phase of the Kinross Park & Ride Raingarden project received a prestigious Susdrain UK Community Award. This saw perennial and annual native wildflower plantings as part of a new raingarden in the middle of the Park & Ride car park. 

Creation of a green corridor linking the area with Loch Leven now well-advanced.

18. Butterfly Conservation Wild Spaces Project (Short-term)

Organisation(s): Butterfly Conservation

Butterfly Conservation Wild Spaces portal launched which gives individuals ideas on how they can help create space for butterflies and moths within their gardens. Wild Spaces emphasises that everyone can do something to help pollinators and gives ideas and guidance for any sized garden or space. BC aims to create thousands of Wild Spaces by 2026.

In 2024 30 engagement sessions organised. Meadow Discovery, Butterfly Walks, Sharing Best Practice, Gardening for Butterflies, and Moth Mornings sessions held.

6,800+ people have engaged with Wild Spaces officers through sessions and events. 

Wild Spaces sites have been created - 10 this year. Sites include meadows, pond edge planting, and areas of horticultural plants. Participants have included schoolchildren, members of local Biodiversity groups and Youth Climate Ambassadors.

Wild Space packs have been distributed; mainly native plug plants and wildflower seeds, however some native trees have also been distributed.