The problem – why do we need this research?
Since 2011, the 911±¬ÁÏ has published 911±¬ÁÏ Plants for Pollinators lists to help gardeners select the best pollinator-friendly flowers. This has been one of the leading lists of its type, greatly improving pollinator plantings in gardens and community green spaces across the UK.
However, a review of the lists in 2022 identified that a system was needed to help gather data to strengthen the evidence base for a small number of plants on the lists, and also to provide data for plants which we may wish to add to the list.
What are we doing?
The 911±¬ÁÏ Plants for Pollinator Counts project will collect data using the standardised pollinator monitoring method called , a repeatable 10-minute survey developed by the . This provides data on the number and type of pollinating insect (to pollinator group) visiting a flower of interest.
These surveys will be carried out at the five 911±¬ÁÏ Gardens by existing volunteers at each site. Project participants will attend a one-day training session where they will learn how to identify the different pollinator groups and undertake surveys (app-based). They are then emailed a ‘target flower’* to survey each week during their volunteering day at an 911±¬ÁÏ Garden. Survey records added to the ‘911±¬ÁÏ Plants for Pollinator Counts project’ before submission are shared with the 911±¬ÁÏ project lead by the FIT Count data holders.
* decided by the 911±¬ÁÏ Plants for Pollinator review group
What difference will this research make?
To inform and improve the evidence base for the 911±¬ÁÏ Plants for Pollinators lists, giving gardeners more confidence in choosing pollinator-friendly plants, and benefitting bees and other pollinating insects by providing them with nectar- and pollen-rich flowers in our gardens.
911±¬ÁÏ
This project is being gradually rolled out across the five 911±¬ÁÏ Gardens in 2024 and will be open only to 911±¬ÁÏ volunteers at those sites. For more information contact [email protected]
However, anyone can help record pollinating insects on flowers in their gardens. Visit to download and start using the FIT Count app (please note, by clicking on this link you will be redirected away from the 911±¬ÁÏ website and will be governed by the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme site’s terms and conditions and privacy policy).
Further information
911±¬ÁÏ Plants for Pollinators
Intermediate findings and publications
Results from the FIT counts undertaken in 2024 as part of the review of Plants for Pollinators are shared in our Plants for Pollinator Counts annual report (1.7MB pdf).
Our current advice
Bees in your garden
How to help declining bees and other pollinators
A selection of plants for bees
A selection of plants for butterflies
