Diversity in UK gardens aiding fight to save threatened bumblebees, study suggests
Wednesday, March 19, 2014 - 12:30
in Biology & Nature
The global diversity of plants being cultivated by Britain's gardeners is playing a key role in the fight to save the nation's threatened bumblebees, new research has revealed. "Urban gardens are increasingly recognized for their potential to maintain or even enhance biodiversity," Dr Hanley said. "In particular, the presence of large densities and varieties of flowering plants supports a number of pollinating insects whose range and abundance has declined as a consequence of agricultural intensification and habitat loss. By growing a variety of plants from around the world, gardeners ensure that a range of food sources is available for many different pollinators," an author notes.