PoMS was established in 2017 to collect systematic abundance data on a range of different pollinating insect groups at a national scale. Surveys are conducted annually across the UK to monitor trends of bees, hoverflies and other flower-visiting insects, creating a data pool for research and conservation action.
Background
PoMS is jointly funded and steered by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and JNCC, with input from a wider Steering Group and project partners. A full list of these organisations is given below. PoMS would also not be possible without the dedication and support of thousands of talented volunteers.
PoMS involves a combination of surveys on 1km squares and counts of the insects that visit a chosen flower over a 10-minute period (Flower Insect Timed (FIT) counts). The number of 1km squares across the UK is 95, with 20 added in Northern Ireland from 2021. Since the scheme was established, 2,580 volunteers have contributed to data collection through 1,420 survey visits to the 1km squares sites and by completing 16,470 FIT counts. Using Heritage Lottery Foundation figures, the time volunteers dedicated to PoMS in 2022 was valued at around £49,000.
Why do we monitor pollinators?
Pollinating insects are a vital component of our ecosystems. Pollination carried out by insects such as bees and hoverflies enables wildflowers and agricultural crops to set seed and produce fruit, meaning that much of our food supply depends on pollinators. Therefore, it is important that we understand any changes in pollinator populations and can put in place effective conservation measures to protect pollinator diversity and crop security. This is especially important as research from across the globe suggests that insect populations (especially of key pollinators such as wild bees) are declining.
PoMS is still in its early years of data collection and therefore does not yet have data over enough years to show pollinator changes over time. However, PoMS is a priority recognised in the pollinator strategies for each of the four UK countries, and work is ongoing to create and publish trends and Official Statistics as the time series of data extends.
PoMS data are made freely available and have been used in a number of academic research publications. Some of these publications can be found on the PoMS website.
Sampling approach/how are the data collected?
The scheme collects data from 1st April to 30th September through 1km square surveys and FIT counts.
In FIT counts, volunteers choose a focal flower species in any location (including gardens) and count the number of flowers in a 50x50cm grid. On a warm, dry day, they then count the number of insects that land on any of these flowers within a 10-minute period and identify the insects into broad categories.
1km square surveys take place on a network of stratified random squares across the UK which are also used in plant monitoring through the National Plant Monitoring Scheme in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland and the Environment and Rural Affairs Monitoring & Modelling Programme (ERAMMP) in Wales, creating co-located data. Each square is visited four times a year, once each in May, June, July and August/September. Five sets of water-filled pan traps are set up across each square and left for 6 hours before samples are collected and sent back to UKCEH for identification, counting and to be archived for future use. 1km square surveyors also record environmental data and carry out at least two FIT counts at the same site on each survey.
How and where data/results are available to stakeholders
Data generated by PoMS are made openly available via UKCEH’s Environmental Information Data Centre, allowing for their use in academic research and conservation decision making (there is typically a lag of between 1 – 2 years from data collection to publishing given the amount of sample processing and data checking required).
PoMS project partners:
Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Butterfly Conservation, British Trust for Ornithology, Buglife, Hymettus, Natural History Museum, the University of Reading and the University of Leeds.
PoMS Steering Group:
JNCC, UKCEH, DAERA, Defra, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, NatureScot, SASA, Welsh Government. The Steering Group also has representation from the All-Ireland Pollinators Plan and from the EU Pollinator Monitoring Scheme.
UK PoMS is a partnership funded jointly by UKCEH and JNCC (through funding from Defra, Scottish Government, Welsh Government, and DAERA). UKCEH’s contribution is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council award number NE/R016429/1 as part of the UK-SCAPE programme delivering National Capability. PoMS is indebted to the many volunteers who carry out surveys and contribute data to the scheme, as well as those who allow access to their land. Without their efforts, this scheme would not be possible.
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