On 10th October I wrote to the district and county councils in Hampshire. I received a response from Havant. They are looking at creating a number of small pollinator habitats around Havant and I would be keen to get involved. This is his response:

Dear Archie

Thank you for your email and highlighting this key issue to us. Your ‘pollinator plan’ is a good idea and we’ll look at developing one as part of our wider Climate Change Action Plan. The approach you have suggested is an effective way of looking at our management of open spaces and verges.

We’re also writing a new Biodiversity Strategy and a new Action Plan for Climate Change – both we hope will be ready in the new year. Improving biodiversity will be a key part of each of these, particularly providing more native habitats as a means of supporting wider biodiversity. Pollinating insects as well as bees are an excellent case study in helping communicate the value of such areas and I really like the idea of sponsoring wildflower verges and roundabouts by local businesses.

One of the projects we’re exploring is the creation of a number of pocket habitats around Havant which could include dedicate spaces for bees. If this is something you would like to be involved in then let me know and I can put you in touch with the relevant contact.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. If you would like to stay in touch with the Council in regards to its new local plan ‘Building a Better Future Plan’ you can do so by following the link here: Havant Borough Council (govdelivery.com).

All the best

Alex

Alex Robinson

Executive Head of Place