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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 24th May 2022
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New app to help reverse decline in pollinators
“We are encouraging people to give just 10 minutes of their time to count the pollinating insects they see using this app" - Rebecca Pow.
Government asks public to collect data on garden visitors.

The public is being asked to count bees, butterflies and other pollinators using a free app in their gardens and green spaces.

The new FIT Counts app will help track pollinator numbers and movements, providing crucial data that the government can use to support pollinators in their natural environment. 

It forms part of Defra's new “Pollinator Action Plan”, which aims to improve nature recovery and reverse declines in these species.

FIT Counts, supported by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, asks people to spend 10 minutes a day collecting data on the number of insects that visit particular patches of flowers, including dandelion, buttercup and lavender.

Data gathered will be used to help the government and conservationists understand where pollinators are declining or how populations are shifting in response to climate change.

Defra's new Pollinator Action Plan promises to focus on a number of key areas, including:
  • strengthening the evidence base to improve understanding of trends and impacts on pollination; 
  • managing land more effectively to encourage better-connected habitat and recovered species; 
  • sustaining pollinator health of managed and wild populations’ by supporting beekeepers and bee farmers, ensuring there is surveillance of diseases and invasive species, as well as research and advice; and 
  • engaging the public through Bees’ Needs events, alongside celebrating successes and promoting a wide range of training. 

Announcing the app at the Chelsea Flower Show on Monday (23 May), environment minister Rebecca Pow said: “We all want to see an abundance of butterflies and bees in our gardens, parks and countryside. We are encouraging people to give just 10 minutes of their time to count the pollinating insects they see using this app to help us track their numbers and movements and support our efforts to reverse the decline of these vital species.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.