Kent's 'Plan Bee' summit showed how we can help pollinators

Ways in which Kent’s pollinators can be supported to thrive using footways, railways, riverbanks and verges was the focus of this year’s Plan Bee summit.

The event was convened by Seán Holden, Chairman of KCC’s Environment & Transport Cabinet Committee and Kent’s Plan Bee, and took place on Tuesday 23rd November. Held virtually for the second year running, this event proved ever successful with over 120 registered delegates.

It brought together speakers from Network Rail, Kent Wildlife Trust, National Highways, the Environment Agency, Buglife and Butterfly Conservation and highlighted some of the work being undertaken to help the recovery of pollinators alongside this linear infrastructure.

Bees, butterflies, moths, beetles and wasps are all part of the pollinator family and key to many of our fruit, food and flower growth in the county.

Susan Carey, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Environment and David Brazier KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport also spoke to underline KCC’s own commitment to Kent’s Plan Bee.

Susan Carey said: “I was delighted KCC hosted this summit bringing together so many organisations showing how we can make the most of linear features such as roads, rivers, canals, railways and paths.

“As well as the benefits to pollinators and other wildlife such changes can also reduce carbon emissions.

“I hope the learning from the event will encourage more people to make changes to support Kent’s natural environment.”

KCC’s recently published Pollinators Survey Report details the findings of our survey in May 2021, to gauge understanding of the issues and their perception of actions to address these.

Of the 4,655 people who responded to the survey, it showed 85% believed grass verges should be managed with a twice-yearly conservation cut, indicating many were interested in and supportive of retaining environments for these types of insects.

Speaking after the event, Seán Holden, said: “As always, the turnout at this year’s summit was excellent and offered the opportunity for a valuable discussion on how these areas can be designed around pollinators’ needs.

“I want to thank the team at KCC for organising the event and everyone who was able to attend.”

Visit https://www.kent.gov.uk/environment-waste-and-planning/nature-and-biodiversity/pollinators/kents-plan-bee-pollinator-action-plan to learn more or search for Kent’s Plan Bee on Facebook.