Dorset Council Pollinators Action Plan 2019 to 2024

Last updated 2 August 2024

Introduction

Insect pollinators play an essential role in providing pollination for many commercial crops and wild plant species, actions and functions which represent significant value to the UK economy.

With a substantial agricultural sector, and extensive natural and semi-natural habitats within which pollinators are important, it is likely that Dorset receives a disproportionately high share of this economic value.

Many plants rely on insects to pollinate their flowers and so complete their reproductive cycle – most plants cannot set seed without being pollinated (receiving the pollen, usually from another flower).

It has been calculated that one out of every three mouthfuls of the food we eat depends on pollination and the annual benefits of insect pollinators to the British Economy have been valued at £691 million (Living with Environmental Change, 2014).

However, pollinators such as bees, hoverflies, butterflies and moths are in decline. Pressures such as habitat loss and degradation, pests and diseases, pesticide use and climate change individually and in combination are having negative impacts on populations and, as a result, reducing their ability to provide valuable services to human populations.

Dorset Council has a legal duty, under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006, to have regard for the conservation of biodiversity in exercising their functions.

The National Planning Policy Framework February 2019 Section 15 also makes it clear that planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment.

Therefore, Dorset Council will help to reduce this decline and where possible enhance populations through the adoption of this action plan.

The Action Plan proposes a range of positive approaches which can be applied to the management of councils’ assets, projects and decision-making processes in relation to the decline in pollinators, on Dorset Council land.

5 themes

The actions are subdivided into five themes, as recommended by Buglife and Friends of the Earth ‘Helping Pollinators Locally: Developing a local pollination Action Plan or Strategy’:

  • the management of the council’s green assets
  • enhancement opportunities via new development on Council land
  • opportunities via the Councils planning functions
  • raising awareness
  • monitoring, research and evidence

Action plan, theme 1. Council green assets and building management

Area of management - Highway verges 

Type of management

Verge management which includes new cycle and footpaths 

Action and explanation 

1. Where appropriate ‘cut and collect’ will be the preferred option for mowing of the highway verges - this will reduce the fertility and growth of the grass.

This will also allow wildflowers to compete with grass for space to grow, therefore allowing more wildflowers on the verges.

Over time less cutting will be required which will save money and the verges will look more attractive and provide good habitat for pollinators.

2. Re-use of grass cuttings will be the preferred option where possible. – to provide a sustainable approach.

3. Reduce the number of cuts undertaken – this will allow longer periods of flowering and the opportunity for flowers to set seed, improving botanical diversity. Reducing the frequency of cutting also reduces our operational carbon footprint.

4. Provide training/awareness for on-site/ground staff regularly and when new staff employed - to ensure management in relation to pollinators is understood, promoted and are carried out. 

Who need to be involved 

Greenspace team and Grounds team 

Area of management - Highway verges 

Type of management

Grass management.

Action and explanation 

Some sowing of either spring and late summer wild flowering seed, annual flowery meadow or arable flower seed mixes, this is to provide an increase in the number and variety of pollinators along the verges. The use of Yellow Rattle has already been successful in reducing grass vigour.

Scarification of verges, where required prior to seeding will be carried out, this is to improve sward diversity.

The use of wildflowers such as parasitic on grasses will take place each year in selected locations.

Who need to be involved 

Greenspace team and Grounds team.

Area of management - Highway verges 

Type of management

Tree and hedge management 

Action and explanation 

Hedges will be cut on a three-year rotation where possible.

They will be cut less often (this will need to be in line with a good health and safety policy and existing environmental land management agreements)

By cutting hedgerows less often it will allow longer periods for nectar rich species to be available to pollinators

Hedges will be maintained in the long term by ensuring additional appropriate management; some coppicing, cutting to ground level on a rotation basis, this is to ensure dense new growth from the bottom of the hedge, gap filling and hedge laying.

Standing dead timber and habitat piles will be left in situ incorporated into banks and hedge bases.

Any new/replacement planting will include species for both early spring flowers (such as goat and grey willows and blackthorn) and later spring flowers such as hawthorn and crab apple.

The hedge bases and banks will be buffered from cutting to create grassy margins, particularly on south-facing sides. If scrub such as bramble needs controlling, it will be cut late in the year.

Where appropriate on some south facing banks areas will be closely cut to create areas of short turf and bare ground.

Who need to be involved 

  • Greenspace team
  • Grounds team
  • Arboriculture team 

Area of management - Highway verges 

Type of management

Chemicals and pesticides management 

Action and explanation 

Dorset Council will prohibit the use of Neonicotinoid pesticides on its land, where there are powers to enforce this. 

Research suggests that Neonicotinoid pesticides are harmful to pollinators.

To use alternatives will see an increase in pollinators.

The use of other chemicals such as the herbicide Glyphosate will be reviewed on an annual basis. 

Research now appears to have found links between the use of this herbicide and the decline of bees

Who need to be involved 

  • Greenspace team
  • Grounds team
  • Arboriculture team

Area of management - County Farms 

Type of management

Chemicals and pesticides management 

Action and explanation 

Dorset Farms will be an exception to the use of Neonicotinoid pesticides where existing tenancies are in place.

However, information will be provided to encourage tenants not use Neonicotinoid pesticides.

New tenants will be encouraged adopt the Council Council Policy and implement other actions to benefit pollinators.

Research suggests that Neonicotinoid pesticides are harmful to pollinators.

To use alternatives will likely see an increase in pollinators

Who need to be involved 

The Dorset Council Farms Liaison Panel and the Dorset Council Rural Practice team

Area of management - County Farms 

Type of management

Conservation management of key habitats.

Action and explanation 

The key principles for pollinators will be embedded in the Estate Management Plan, this is to ensure a consistent approach to pollinators.

New farm tenants will be provided with the Dorset Council pollination action plan with specific information on woodland, grassland, wetland and hedgerow management, this is to enable tenants to follow a consistent approach to pollinators.

Hedgerows will be cut less often and managed as above this, in line with a good health and safety policy and existing environmental land management agreements this is to allow longer periods for nectar rich species to be available to pollinators.

Who need to be involved 

  • Dorset Council Farms Liaison Panel
  • Dorset Council Rural Practice team
  • Natural environment team 

Area of management - Schools 

Type of management

Grass management 

Action and explanation 

Where appropriate ‘cut and collect’ will be the preferred option for mowing of non-sports pitches.

Mowing regimes will be incorporated into SLA Provide training/awareness for on-site/ground this is to ensure ensure the workforce if fully informed and supportive of improving schools’ areas for pollinators.

Information to schools where groundwork done will be provided with information relating to schools and pollinators.

Who need to be involved 

The Greenspace team and Grounds team.

Area of management - Schools 

Type of management

Tree and hedgerow management 

Action and explanation 

Hedgerows will be cut less often, in line with a good health and safety policy and existing environmental land management agreements this is to allow longer periods for nectar rich species to be available to pollinators.

Who need to be involved 

  • Greenspace team
  • Grounds team
  • Arboriculture team

Area of management - Schools 

Type of management

Shrub and flower management 

Action and explanation 

Manage existing shrub/flower beds to maximise flower period, this is to avoid some shrub areas being cut before or when in flower and therefore reducing their pollination value.

Provide training/awareness for on-site/ground - to ensure the workforce is fully informed and supportive of improving schools’ areas for pollinators

Who need to be involved 

  • Greenspace team
  • Grounds team

Area of management - Countryside and wildlife sites

Type of management

Verge management 

Action and explanation 

Where appropriate ‘cut and collect’ will be the preferred option for verge management, this will reduce the fertility and growth of the grass and allow wildflowers to compete with grass for space to grow, therefore allowing more wildflowers. 

Provide training/awareness for on-site/ground staff regularly and when new staff employed this is to ensure management in relation to pollinators is understood, promoted and are carried out.

Who need to be involved 

  • Greenspace team
  • Grounds team

Area of management - Countryside and wildlife sites

Type of management

Woodland, tree and hedge management.

Action and explanation 

Standing dead timber and habitat piles will be left in situ incorporated into banks and hedge bases this is to encourage pollinators.

Hedgerows will be cut less often, in line with a good health and safety policy and existing environmental land management agreements, this is to maintain and enhance the number of pollinators.

By cutting hedgerows less often it will allow longer periods for nectar rich species to be available to pollinators.

Who need to be involved 

  • Greenspace team
  • Grounds team
  • Arboriculture team

Area of management - Countryside and wildlife sites

Type of management

Grass management.

Action and explanation 

Regular sowing will take place each year of either spring and late summer wild flowering seed, annual flowery meadow seed and wildflowers parasitic on grasses in selected locations this is to allow for an increase in the number and variety of pollinators.

Who need to be involved 

  • Greenspace team
  • Grounds team

Area of management - Countryside and wildlife sites

Type of management

Conservation management.

Action and explanation 

Dorset Council will prohibit the use of Neonicotinoid pesticides on its land, where there are powers to enforce this.

Research suggests that Neonicotinoid pesticides are harmful to pollinators.

To use alternatives will see an increase in pollinators.

The use of other chemicals such as the herbicide Glyphosate will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Research now appears to have found links between the use of this herbicide and the decline of bees.

Who need to be involved 

  • Greenspace team
  • Grounds team
  • Natural environment team 

Area of management - Council offices, depots, libraries and other land holdings 

Type of management

Grass management.

Action and explanation 

Where appropriate ‘cut and collect’ will be the preferred option for mowing grass at council owned properties. This will reduce the fertility and growth of the grass.

This will allow wildflowers to compete with grass for space to grow, therefore allowing more wildflowers on the verges.

Over time less cutting will be required which will save money, with the verges will look more attractive and provide the right environment for pollinators.

Re-use of grass cuttings will be the preferred option where possible, this is to provide a sustainable approach.

Reduce the number of cuts undertaken, this will allow longer periods of flowering and flowers to set seed, improving botanical diversity.

Provide training/awareness for on-site/ground staff regularly and when new staff employed , this is to ensure management in relation to pollinators is understood, promoted and are carried out

Where appropriate develop butterfly gardens. As example of best practice.

Who need to be involved 

  • Greenspace team
  • Grounds team
  • Natural environment team 

Area of management - Council offices, depots, libraries and other land holdings 

Type of management

Woodland, tree and hedge management.

Action and explanation 

Standing dead timber and habitat piles will be left in situ incorporated into banks and hedge bases.

Hedgerows will be cut less often, in line with a good health and safety policy and existing environmental land management agreements, this is to maintain and enhance the number of pollinators.

By cutting hedgerows less often it will allow longer periods for nectar rich species to be available to pollinators

Who need to be involved 

  • Greenspace team
  • Grounds team

Area of management - Council offices, depots, libraries and other land holdings 

Type of management

Chemicals 

Action and explanation 

Dorset Council will prohibit the use of Neonicotinoid pesticides on its land, where there are powers to enforce this.

Research suggests that Neonicotinoid pesticides are harmful to pollinators.

To use alternatives will see an increase in pollinators

Who need to be involved 

  • Greenspace team
  • Grounds team

Area of management - Existing buildings and structures 

Type of management

Development 

Action and explanation 

Create opportunities for ‘greening’ buildings and other structures by retro fitting.

Green roofs, green walls, sustainable urban drainage systems are just a few of the opportunities to help pollinators.

Smaller scale enhancements such as installation of bug/bee hotels or pollinator friendly hanging baskets are good examples.

Who need to be involved 

  • Natural environment team 
  • Landscape architect
  • Dorset property

Area of management - Existing buildings and structures 

Type of management

Project development and delivery.

Action and explanation 

Get advice at inception stages of all new infrastructure projects from the Dorset Council Natural Environment Team and Dorset Council Landscape Architects, this is to ensure infrastructure projects can benefit and increase wildlife/pollinators

Planning for pollinators will be considered at an early stage of any infrastructure projects

Who need to be involved 

  • Natural environment team 
  • Highways team 
  • Dorset property

 

 

Action plan - theme 2. New developments on council land, enhancement opportunities

Area of management - Highway verges including new cycle and footpaths 

Type of management

Tree and shrub planting.

Action and explanation 

Where opportunities arise, flowering trees will be planted rather than other species that do not attract pollinators.

Flowering trees such as cherry, apple, hawthorn, blackthorn and sallow will provide more nectar for pollinators to thrive.

In urban areas some non-native species which extend the flowering season will also be included.

Who needs to be involved:

  • Greenspace team
  • Grounds team
  • Arboriculture team
  • Natural environment team 

Area of management - Highway verges including new cycle and footpaths 

Type of management

Soil and seed.

Action and explanation 

Use of low fertility substrates will only be used on new verges and highway land.

Sow with native and or flowery meadow seed.

Who needs to be involved:

  • Greenspace team
  • Grounds team
  • Highway contractors 
  • Natural environment team 

Area of management - Schools and other new developments

Type of management

Tree and shrub planting.

Action and explanation 

Where opportunities arise, flowering trees will be planted rather than other species that do not attract pollinators.

Flowering trees such as cherry, apple, hawthorn, blackthorn and sallow will provide more nectar for pollinators to thrive.

In urban areas some non-native species which extend the flowering season will also be included.

Who needs to be involved:

  • Dorset property
  • Landscape architects 
  • Natural environment team 

Area of management - Schools and other new developments

Type of management

Soil and seed.

Action and explanation 

Use of low fertility substrates will only be used on new verges and highway land. Sow with native and or flowery meadow seed to increase pollinators.

Who needs to be involved: 

  • Dorset property
  • landscape architects 
  • Natural environment team (for advice) 
  • main and sub-contractors 

Area of management - Schools and other new developments

Type of management

Conservation initiatives. 

Action and explanation 

A range of landscape and biodiversity enhancements will be considered with any new conservation initiative e.g. bug hotels, habitat piles, sensory gardens, wildflower meadows, perennial flower beds with species particularly attractive to bees, butterflies and moths, this is to increase pollinators.

Who needs to be involved:

  • Dorset property
  • landscape architects 
  • Natural environment team (for advice) 
  • Dorset Council contractors 
  • Landscape services, design and build

 

Action plan - theme 3. Planning control and policy

Area of management - Planning and development

Type of management

Planning and development.

Action and explanation 

Pollinator habitats are protected and enhanced in dealing with planning and development.

By using a set and agreed method within planning and development will ensure a consistent approach is taken when considering pollinators. 

New developments will result in net gain for pollinators.

Net gain means there will be an overall increase in pollinators in Dorset.

The Biodiversity Appraisal Protocol will be the preferred choice in dealing with pollinators in relation to planning developments, this is to provide a clear, consistent approach under the current government regulations.

Advice will be provided at all stages of the planning process:; pre-app, application stage and via planning policy advice and guidance.

Current pressures to secure economic growth and new housing will constantly threaten many habitats of importance for pollinators.

Providing advice at all parts of the process will ensure pollinators are considered at every stage.

A review or revision of existing plans and planning policy will be carried out regularly this is to ensure the habitats are recognised and given adequate protection.

Key populations of priority-listed pollinators (NERC Act, Section 41 species) and habitats, as well as locally threatened species will be protected through the planning process.

These species and habitats have been identified as being the most threatened and requiring conservation action across the country.

Planning guidance in relation to pollinators will be developed, this is to ensure development results in net gain for pollinators and a consistent and up to date approach.

A Supplementary Planning Document linked with the Dorset Biodiversity Protocol will be developed, this is to ensure development also provides a quantifiable benefit for pollinators.

Dorset Council Green Asset Guide is seen as an established guide for best practice. This supports the corporate aim of safeguarding and enhancing Dorset’s unique environment and supporting the local economy by encouraging best sustainable practice in Landscape Planning, Design and Management.

Who needs to be involved:

  • Environmental Advice Team
  • Natural Environment Team
  • Dorset Council planning officers 
  • Countryside advice 

Area of management - Planning and development

Type of management

Local planning.

Action and explanation 

Advice will be provided on pollinators in the Local Plans - to ensure the habitats are recognised and given adequate protection.

Ways to increase pollinators will be embedded into the Local Plans.

Who needs to be involved 

Natural Environment Team.

Action plan - theme 4. Monitoring, research and evidence

Area of management - Monitoring, research and evidence

Type of management

Monitoring, research and evidence.

Action and explanation 

Dorset Council will keep up to date on the latest scientific evidence on pollinator health and consider how respond to emerging research (e.g. on the impacts of light pollution on nocturnal pollinators) in its future decision-making, asset management and operational service planning.

This will ensure the council can respond to any emerging research e.g. the impacts of light pollution on nocturnal pollinators.

Establish a Pollinator Group made up of key players, to review and monitor the action plan each year this is to ensure the action plan will be delivered on the ground and via the planning process and its progress and success is understood.

Who needs to be involved: 

  • Natural Environment team
  • Dorset Council Planning team
  • Dorset Property Greenspace team
  • Grounds team
  • Landscape Service
  • Environmental Advice Team
  • Arboriculture team 

Action plan - theme 5. Communication

Area of management - Communication 

Type of management

Raising awareness.

Action and explanation 

Promote our actions in relation to pollinators and work carried out by Dorset Council.

Local authorities have a major role to play in raising awareness of the importance of safeguarding our pollinators, enthusing and working with local people to help conserve pollinators.

Raise awareness of the wider importance of pollinators to schools, town and parish councils, businesses and other stakeholders in our communities through established communication channels, this is to ensure constant and a clear approach by Dorset Council.

Provide a sign posting service to the work with our partner organisations in this e.g. AONBs, LNPs and with existing initiatives such as Buglife, Learning through Landscapes, Butterfly Conservation, Friends of the Earth, HedgeLink etc.

Link with relevant national, regional and local social media campaigns which promote pollinators in Dorset

Who needs to be involved: 

  • Communications team 
  • Pollinator group 

Contact information

This action plan was put together in consultation with a range of teams within Dorset Council. 

For more information, please contact the Environmental advice manager on 01305 224760.

Review

This policy was last reviewed in 2019. 

The next review date is 2025.