Flat Holm has become the first island to be awarded ‘Bee Friendly’ status. The ‘Bee Friendly’ scheme, which aims to make Wales the first pollinator-friendly nation in the world, has four priorities:
- Providing pollinator friendly food sources.
- Freedom from pesticides and herbicides.
- Providing ‘five star’ accommodation for insect pollinators.
- Fun! Involving the community and telling people why you are helping pollinators.
Eleven different types of bee, including Large Red Tailed Bumble Bees, White-tailed Bumble Bees, Green Furrow Bees, Gooden’s Nomad Bees and Common Carder Bees, have been found on the island, which is also home to Painted Ladies, Meadow Brown, Comma, Gatekeeper and Large White butterflies.
Rare plants such as wild leeks can also be found on the island, which is completely pesticide and herbicide free.
Changes to the management of the island, such as leaving areas of grassland to grow, have also been taken on Flat Holm recently, resulting in a substantial rise in invertebrates, such as crickets, butterflies and grasshoppers on the island.
Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Peter Bradbury, said: “Flat Holm is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and we’re committed to maintaining it in the most natural way possible. This award is great recognition for the work being done to encourage more pollinators to make their home in one of Cardiff’s most unique locations.”
