Bristol is transforming neglected urban spaces into vital green corridors for endangered pollinators through the Pollinator Pathways Project. Spearheaded by Flora Beverley, the initiative aims to create nectar-rich havens for insects like bumblebees, hoverflies, and ladybirds, addressing the significant decline in insect populations. A 2024 Bugs Matter citizen science survey indicated a 63% decrease in flying insects in the UK between 2021 and 2024.
The project's success relies heavily on community involvement, with volunteers and local artists revitalizing seven streets in southern Bristol. These efforts are often supported by small grants and donations from local businesses. In April 2025, a grant from the Knowle West Alliance provided a significant boost, enabling further cleaning, greening, planting of pollinator-friendly species, and the installation of 'bee hotels'. These activities not only benefit the urban ecosystem but also strengthen community bonds.
Bristol's local conservation efforts align with broader strategies, such as the 'bee-line' project launched in March 2025 by the Avon Wildlife Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). This project seeks to establish a 70 km 'bee highway' connecting pollinator habitats across Bristol and Bath, creating a crucial network for species survival. Research suggests that urban areas can support robust pollinator communities, sometimes even surpassing rural landscapes, due to diverse floral resources and habitat connectivity, as noted by Professor Dave Goulson of the University of Sussex.
The urgency of these initiatives is highlighted by the ongoing insect decline. While the Bugs Matter survey noted a slowdown in the rate of decline between 2023 and 2024, the overall decrease since 2021 remains severe. Experts attribute the slowdown potentially to recent extreme weather patterns, but the long-term trend continues to be a major concern. Flora Beverley, the project's founder, aims to develop a replicable model for other communities, emphasizing sustainability through hardy, drought-resistant plants and avoiding herbicides by using manual weed removal.