Pollinators are in trouble. The good news? Every garden can help reverse their fortunes. Whatever the size, style or location of your outdoor space, there are myriad ways to cater for them without compromising on aesthetics
Despite living in this nation of gardeners and wildlife lovers, pollinators – creatures that stitch together the whole web of life – find themselves in one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth. The Biodiversity Intactness Index , compiled by the Natural History Museum , indicates that the UK is in the bottom 10% globally, with only just over half of its original nature left intact. Additionally, a Joint Nature Conservation Committee report shows a 23% decrease in distribution since 1980. The stats add up to one thing: a sorry state of affairs for pollinators. And that matters, for all of us.
The government has projected the contribution of pollinators to UK food production and agriculture at £500 million per year, not to mention that if we paid farmers to hand-pollinate our food, it would cost an estimated £1.8 billion annually. As things stand, we have pollinators to thank for every third mouthful of food we eat.
But it’s not just food security that needs them – 90% of flowering plants worldwide are reliant on them. We think of flora as the foundation of the food chain, but no pollinators means a much less diverse flora.
Fortunately, there’s a great deal we can do to help. But first, we need to understand what, or who, we’re talking about. It’s estimated that more than 350,000 animal species (vertebrates and invertebrates) act as pollinators globally . In some parts of the world, birds like hummingbirds, mammals like bats, marsupials, rodents and even wolves are pollinators as their and pollen-eating results in pollen transfer.
Insects, though, are the largest and most prevalent group of pollinators, occurring on most continents. In the UK our pollinators are almost exclusively insects, comprising about 6,000 species. The primary groups are bees, flies, beetles, wasps, butterflies and moths. This wildly varied group has widely differing needs when it comes to diet and habitat. Despite increased monitoring and conservation efforts, many of the pressures responsible for the decline in pollinator numbers – habitat loss, climate change and agricultural intensification – show little sign of bating. Pollinator communities are in need of sustained landscape-scale conservation action, as acknowledged by a 2024 parliamentary report on insect decline and food security.
The 2026 RHS State of Gardening report showed the total area of UK gardens is more than three times that of our National Nature Reserves . That puts power in the hands of gardeners to be stewards not just for our pollinators, but for all wildlife.
Pollinators need key resources to survive: places to hide, nest, , and something to eat and drink. These can be provided through plants and places. It’s also important to understand the changing needs of pollinators at all development stages. Thoughtful planting and garden management can make a real difference. Don’t be disheartened by the scale or make-up of your outdoor space. The following advice will help you create a beautiful garden that’s also helpful for precious pollinators.
Even a small patch of grass or a single tree can significantly enhance a garden’s appeal to pollinators. Carefully-managed lawns or meadows will provide rapid habitat benefits, while trees and other woody plants will increase in value as they mature.
Lawns sometimes get a bad reputation in conversations around supporting wildlife, but even simple changes can turn your grass into a valuable foraging habitat. Reducing mowing and relaxing your lawn care greatly benefits pollinating insects, as does allowing the wild plants that pop up through the grass to flower.
Trees, meanwhile, add vertical structure, greatly expanding habitat for the pollinators that use different parts of the tree – whether that’s feeding on leaves or sheltering in . Although this activity often goes unnoticed, flowering trees can be rich foraging resources for bees – stand underneath the Yoshino cherries ( Prunus × yedoensis ) at RHS Garden Wisley in spring, for a glorious, visceral example. Even small gardens can accommodate a tree, while larger spaces can include lines of trees or woodland-style plantings .
Gardens in towns and cities or in the suburbs may have limited space and more hard surfaces, but they can still provide valuable habitats for pollinators. Far from being dead space, hard surfaces such as brick, stone and paving create warm microclimates that benefit pollinators, offering basking sites for butterflies and early bees. By making use of buildings, containers and small planting areas, and by working with existing features such as walls and paving, a wide range of nesting sites, shelter and floral resources can be created. Thoughtful design and plant choice can ensure pollinators are supported throughout the year.
Flower borders are often the most visible areas for activity, and one of the easiest ways to make a positive impact. The evidence-based RHS Plants for Pollinators list highlights 10,000 helpful plants, so it really is easy to create a garden suited for both your tastes and theirs. You can support specific pollinators by tailoring your plant choice. For example, choose mainly flat, open flowers to favour pollinating flies, pick plants that offer at night to support moths , or select yellows and purples for a bee-focused border. But to get your garden really buzzing, include a wide mix of flower shapes and flowering times to support as wide a range of pollinators as possible all year.
Additionally, introduce a damp or water-rich area to support all the different life stages of a range of pollinating species. Water supports more than aquatic wildlife – many pollinators rely on ponds, damp ground and bog gardens , with some species developing as aquatic or semiaquatic larvae. These habitats are essential for completing their life cycle and sustaining populations.
Some of the best habitats can be found in allotments and productive spaces. Plots where fruit-and-veg-are grown offer the best of both worlds, providing for both people and pollinators. In a veg patch or allotment, the crops you grow will influence how much support you provide for pollinators, as some vegetables depend more on insect than others. Adding companion plants will help too – Calendula officinalis (marigold) is particularly liked by hoverflies.
Never underestimate the value that a good hedge can provide as brilliant habitat and a food source for wildlife. Hedgerows have declined significantly in the UK, making wildlife-friendly planting and management in gardens increasingly important. Hedges are a multi-faceted benefit for all garden wildlife, providing cover, safe passage, nesting sites and food, while hedges made up of mixed flowering species can attract many bees and flies.
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This piece comes from The Garden, the monthly magazine sent to RHS members. Filled with expert advice, planting inspiration and seasonal ideas, it’s one of the many benefits of RHS membership. Become a member to receive your copy each month.
