New official statistics on insect pollinators published by the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (PoMS) show hoverflies declining by around a third in both their abundance and number of species.

More than 3,000 volunteers contributed data to the scheme, with surveys 3,500 sites across countryside and gardens. Hoverflies, a key target group for the scheme, showed the most consistent declines of between 26% to 37% over eight years (2017-2024).

Often overlooked, hoverflies are vital pollinators, known to visit at least 52% of global food crops and 70% of animal-pollinated wildflowers. While this represents a significant decline for hoverflies, the PoMS results show a mixed picture for other insect groups, with some showing no change and other groups increasing since 2017.

Bumblebees could struggle in heatwaves

However, further data released this week shows UK bumblebee numbers could suffer sharp falls as heatwaves become more frequent.

Data from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust’s long-running Bee Walk monitoring scheme shows a decline in populations after the record-breaking heat of 2022. Heatwaves impact bumblebees because their thick coats and round bodies are built for cooler climes. Once temperatures reach between 28C and 32C, they struggle to fly without overheating.

What can I do to help bees and hoverflies?

It's easy to nurture these beneficial creatures in your own growing space - and other pollinators such as butterflies, moths and solitary bees will benefit too!

Create diversity

Layer your plants together as they would occur naturally to provide as diverse a plant mix as possible. So... a runner bean in a large container could be underplanted with cascades of Limnanthes (poached egg plant) and Lamium (deadnettle). A feathery fennel plant - allowed to flower for hoverflies – could be grouped with Phacelia, which is loved by bees.

Sow nectar rich plants

These are a must, but don’t just think of what’s great for the summer. If you plant Pulmonaria (good for shade), crocus, Salvia, Hellebores and Galanthus, for example, you’ll provide all-season nectar and pollen sources. Trees are often overlooked but hawthorn, field maple and spindle provide valuable food for pollinators – often early in the year - and are easy to grow from whips (young bare-root trees), even in a raised bed. Find insect friendly trees and shrubs to plant here.

Make a mini meadow

Mark out a one-metre-square space, or large container, and broadcast sow with annual wildflower seeds such as cornflower, corncockle, calendula and poppy. You can collect/harvest the seed in the autumn for re-sowing the following spring as a cheap and cheerful way to help your flying friends. Find more plant suggestions here.

Build pollinator habitats

A bog garden, pond or even a shallow dish of water will provide places to rest and replenish. Some hoverflies like to lay eggs on the underside of leaves, while other like to lay eggs in pools of water or 'rot holes' in trees. Find out how to build a hoverfly lagoon here.