Pollinators Saving Our Planet - 1 Wild Grass and 1 Wild Flower at a Time
Give our pollinators a little bit of space and watch them get to work. Your handy 5 minute guide.
Pollinators play a vital role in maintaining the health of ecosystems, supporting wild grasses, wildflowers, and wild scrub land. We should not, though, take them for granted. Their numbers and natural habitats are dwindling. And yet we desperately need pollinators (bees, butterflies and other insects) for the survival of our plants, for our food and many of our medicines. We can help these mini eco-warriors to survive and even thrive with the right plants, trees, wild grasses and wildflowers.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa9f66c29-fafd-4a69-826f-44b6a5683112_1365x2048.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff663a08e-133c-419c-8994-e313f31bfbce_2000x1333.jpeg)
“pollinate” verb
UK/ˈpɒl.ə.neɪt/ US/ˈpɑː.lə.neɪt/
to take pollen from one plant or part of a plant to another so that new plant seeds can be produced: Bees pollinate the plants by carrying the pollen from one flower to another.
Now that the wild grasses, wildflowers and scrub plants are in full growth mode across the LettsSafari parks our wildlife photographers have been out and about capturing bees and butterflies engaging in their essential work of pollination, illustrating the delicate beauty and profound importance of these small creatures in the natural world.
A bumblebee was captured in the act of pollinating a white cherry blossom. Bumblebees, with their robust bodies and fine hair, are particularly effective at pollinating many wildflowers and grasses. Their importance cannot be overstated, as they help in the reproduction of plants by transferring pollen from one flower to another, leading to the production of seeds and fruits. This process ensures the survival of many plant species, which in turn support a wide variety of other organisms within the ecosystem.
This peacock butterfly, perched on a cluster of blossoms can have an equally profound effect. Butterflies, like bees, are critical pollinators. Their activity is not just limited to pollination; they also serve as indicators of a healthy environment and ecosystem. The presence of a variety of butterflies suggests a well-balanced ecosystem with ample food sources and suitable habitats that are at the heart of our LettsSafari’s parks and gardens. The fritillary’s love pine forests and marsh land (including the marsh violet.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F74875e62-2a1d-467b-b6d9-9e8569a62ed9_2048x1365.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F11b5d959-36b1-435d-945e-91f17254299a_2000x1333.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe8f19646-87d4-462c-aa72-08b132ceabe4_2048x1365.jpeg)
Wildflowers and long grasses are the essential building blocks in a flourishing meadow. These plants are also essential components of wild scrub land and grasslands, providing habitat and food for numerous species, including insects, birds, and small mammals. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies contribute to the proliferation of these plants, thereby sustaining the biodiversity of these habitats.
Top 10 Flowers and Plants for Bees
Hollyhocks
Foxgloves
Cosmos
Geums
Hellebores
Lavender
Buddleja
Crab Apples
Wallflowers
Single Dahlias
The interconnectedness of pollinators and plant life is the reason initiatives like ‘No Mow May’ are so important to our re-imagining of smaller green spaces and gardens. Wild grasses, while often overlooked, play a critical role in preventing soil erosion, maintaining soil health, and supporting wildlife. The pollination of these grasses ensures their continued growth and ability to perform these crucial ecological functions.
Rewilding genuinely addresses climate change and biodiversity loss. By creating natural habitats where wildlife can thrive, LettsSafari not only protects biodiversity but also provides a system for carbon sequestration, a key factor in mitigating climate change.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1a1d5b98-a167-4936-8d0f-c5ceb1d17490_1200x1200.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc7b8461e-023e-4a1c-9be1-84b5f05fea80_1012x1012.jpeg)
Rewilding projects enhance the capacity of wild areas to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Wild grasses, wildflowers, and scrub land are particularly effective at this. They store carbon in their biomass and root systems, which can help offset greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, these habitats are less susceptible to the frequent disturbances that cultivated lands experience, allowing them to function as stable carbon sinks.
Additionally, rewilding fosters greater biodiversity. The restoration of native plants through natural processes encourages the return of native pollinators and other wildlife, creating resilient ecosystems. These diverse ecosystems are better able to withstand environmental stresses, such as extreme weather events, further contributing to climate change adaptation.
The photographs reflect the intrinsic beauty and importance of pollinators within wild ecosystems. By supporting rewilding ventures like LettsSafari, we not only preserve these picturesque landscapes but also harness their potential to combat climate change. As we recognise the interconnectedness of all life forms, it becomes clear that protecting pollinators and their habitats is an essential step towards a sustainable future. One we can all participate in.
Get more LettsSafari updates and wildlife photos from our twitter. And read the latest posts at the LettsSafari + website.