Sustainable Crediton's pollinators project has got off to a flying start with the completion of planting on the previously neglected land on Belle Parade. A big thanks to all those who have helped, and a huge thanks to Simon O'Sullivan for providing such a wealth and variety of beautifully grown plants. Thanks as well to the District Council and Town Council for enabling this project to get going.

Our project will assist our pollinators and hopefully start to reverse their decline by encouraging plots of unused land to be planted to help our pollinators, working with households (especially the new housing on its way), and local businesses.

Wild pollinators include bees, butterflies, moths, flies and various other insects such as beetles and wasps. More than two thirds of Britain's pollinators are in decline, including many species of bumblebee, butterfly and moth. Indeed, 35 of the UK's bee species are currently under threat of extinction. Although they make the headlines most often, it is not just bees that are struggling: 76% of UK butterfly species and 66% of UK moth species are also in decline.

"Pollinators are facing unprecedented challenges, including climate change, intensive farming, pests and diseases, pesticide use and urban growth. They need food, water, shelter and nesting areas as well as the ability to roam far and wide-as they would naturally, without the barriers placed in their way as a result of urban sprawl. As the concrete jungle grows, their natural habitat inevitably shrinks.

Dramatic losses of wildflower-rich habitat and the fragmentation of the remaining protected spaces are some of the main threats to the survival of many pollinators. A significant further decline in their population would be a disaster for the UK: devastating for our farmers and our food sustainability. It would also have a huge impact on a wide range of businesses that rely on these insect-pollinated crops; our cider producers and food manufacturers, for example, would be hit hard".

(Hansard May 2018)