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Project title

Protecting Bumblebees: How Agri-Environmental Schemes and Grassland Restoration Differ in Their Protection of Bumblebee Species

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Environmental Protection Agency

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin (UCD)

Lead Applicant

Lydia Thompson

Project Abstract

Pollinators are vital for the reproduction of 75% of global crops. It is estimated that pollinators contribute €153 billion annually to the global economy and an estimate €55 million per annum to the Irish economy through this natural capital. Agri-environmental schemes are government subsidies implemented by governments to increase biodiversity on farms. Agri-environmental schemes can be pivotal for the protection of pollinator species, but they need to be implemented correctly. Recent reports from the European Court of Auditors show that to date AES have failed to deliver for biodiversity. This project will evaluate the efficacy of results based agri-environmental scheme measures for the protection of bumblebee species, with a focus Ireland’s rarest true bumblebee - the Great Yellow Bumblebee. Using both field surveys and molecular tools, I will address the effectiveness of individual measures such as delayed mowing and leaving wildflower strips, as well as evaluate how restored grassland affect diversity and abundance of bumblebee species. In addition, I will assess how agri-environmental management at the landscape level may affect colony density and population structure of the Great Yellow Bumblebee. Results from this research will be of interest to researchers, conservationists and policy makers as well as the farming community and will directly inform the development of a new results based agri-environment scheme in NW Ireland.

Grant Approved

�110,000.00

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

01/09/2022

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2026