I’ve posted this elsewhere before but it fits here too.
In light of European honeybees being hit by varroa I was thinking what could be done to help boost the numbers of native pollinators, which (while they can be indirectly affected by spread viruses) aren’t directly susceptible to it.
Perhaps throwing seed bombs of Australian native wildflowers into abandoned unused pieces of land that are likely to stay that way might help provide more food sources.
It’s a casual low commitment rewilding for an ablebodied person on the weekend, especially for people in flats who have little to no outdoor garden space. There are a few methods that are easy and cheap.
Now I don’t work in conservation so have no idea if this idea is misguided. There definitely needs to be thought given to legality and choice of plants, and personal safety.
Obviously check local laws, make sure it’s not illegal.
Do not trespass or enter risky situations. Do not plant invasive species. (A lot of bee and butterfly flower seed mixes do contain invasive species. Stick to natives and/or check each variety. From a cursory google check the Mr Fothergills Australian native wildflower mix looks okay.)
Use biodegradable materials. No doing this on anybody’s property or reserves. Being aware that some plants are toxic to pets or children which means maybe you wouldn’t plant those varieties by a path.
What do you think? Am I overlooking something big and without guidance this could possibly be harmful?
I completely didn’t think about birds as pollinators. Nice.
Unfortunately I’m not in a position to plant trees. The little soil I have is also constantly overrun by invasive creeping grass from under a neighbour’s fence. But even if it’s just providing a makeshift water source/bathing dish during Summer I’ll see what I can do