SCOTLAND'S POLLINATOR populations received a boost in 2020 following efforts to improve habitats across the country.

From 32 pollinator hotspots along the John Muir Way, to more nature friendly towns and cities, to new species-rich grassland in rural areas, a new report by NatureScot has highlighted good progress made by more than 30 partners in the past year towards delivering the Pollinator Strategy for Scotland.

NatureScot praised the work of local authorities introducing pollinator-friendly ways to manage their parks and green spaces, and recognised the vital role of community groups and environmental bodies such as Buglife Scotland, Bumblebee Conservation Trust and Butterfly Conservation in driving multiple projects forwards.

During the year, work was done to create wildflower meadows, build bee banks and bug houses, plant pollinator friendly trees and shrubs and transform roadside verges.

Last summer, NatureScot-funded surveys showed Scotland’s Agri-Environmental funding helped improve habitat for pollinators, creating and managing hedgerows and species-rich grassland.

NatureScot's chief executive Francesca Osowska commented: “Despite the challenges we faced in 2020, this progress report contains a lot of good news, and demonstrates the many far-reaching actions which are helping to boost pollinator populations across Scotland. Transforming our towns and cities into greener and healthier spaces is essential for pollinators and people alike, and the clear message is that we can all do our bit to help bees, butterflies and hoverflies thrive," She continued: “No matter how big or small our own gardens and community spaces, if we take action to provide food and shelter for pollinators we can help these vital insects and in doing so ensure a nature-rich future for Scotland.”

The report includes helpful tips for members of the public who want to help provide food and shelter for pollinators via NatureScot’s Make Space for Nature guide via https://www.nature.scot/make-space-nature-spring