Blue tansies, a splendid sight, brightens up this field in Kildale. Belonging to the borage family, Phacelia tanacetifolia, though not native to Britain, is cultivated as a cover crop and green manure. Its nectar-rich flowers bloom sequentially, ensuring an extended flowering period that attracts insect pollinators such as bumblebees.
Meanwhile, wildlife experts raise an alarm concerning the drastic decline of insect populations in the UK, imploring the government to impose stricter regulations on pesticide use before it is too late. Studies have indicated a significant downward trend since the 1970s, with a recent citizen science project revealing a 60% decline in flying insect numbers between 2004 and 2021. Experts identify excessive pesticide use as a primary cause and criticised the previous government’s lack of comprehensive monitoring and sluggish response. The National Action Plan on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides (NAP), which was expected to outline targets and plans for pesticide reduction and monitoring, has yet to be published after four years.
Campaigners demand a thorough strategy to reduce pesticide use and ensure proper tracking of its applications. They highlight the UK’s failure to meet its commitment to reducing pesticide risk by half, as agreed in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The Labour Party, then in opposition, pledged to address this issue by consulting with scientists and banning bee-harming pesticides currently permitted. Let us hope it is now on the new Government’s agenda.
While recognising the challenges faced by farmers in transitioning to reduced pesticide use, experts emphasise the presence of successful examples. Farmers who have adopted these practices report not only healthier crops but also a flourishing ecosystem of predatory insects and pollinators that naturally control pests. They advocate for increased support and education to help farmers confidently embrace these sustainable methods.
Further reading:
Horton, Helena. 2024. ‘Wildlife Experts Urge Action on Pesticides as UK Insect Populations Plummet’, The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jun/14/wildlife-experts-urge-action-on-pesticides-as-uk-insect-populations-plummet [acccessed 4 July 2024]
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