Ambitious new pollinator plan aims to put ‘pockets for nature’ every 200 metres across Ireland

The new All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2026-2030 was launched on Thursday at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin, by Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland and Ireland’s Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD. Pictured with Dr Úna FitzPatrick, Co-founder of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and Chief Scientific Officer, National Biodiversity Data Centre.

Northern Ireland is backing an ambitious new five-year strategy to help reverse the decline of bees, butterflies and other vital pollinating insects by creating a network of wildlife-friendly habitats every 200 metres across the island.

The new All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2026–2030, launched on Thursday, July 9, sets out a vision for landscapes where pollinators can reliably find food and shelter within the short distances many species are able to travel.

The voluntary plan brings together farmers, businesses, councils, public bodies and local communities in a coordinated effort to tackle biodiversity loss, with supporters warning that one in three bee species on the island is now at risk of extinction.

A landscape designed to help nature recover

The latest phase of the plan was launched at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir and Ireland’s Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan.

It is coordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre, with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) leading delivery in Northern Ireland.

The plan’s central ambition is to create a landscape that provides food and shelter for pollinators every 200 metres — a target based on scientific evidence that many solitary bee species can travel only short distances from their nests to forage.

Supporters say achieving that goal would help restore pollinator populations while creating more resilient ecosystems capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change.

‘Unsung heroes of our environment’

Launching the strategy, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir described pollinators as essential to both nature and food production.

“Bees, butterflies and our other pollinators are the unsung heroes of our environment, playing a fundamental role across our ecosystems,” he said.

“The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan provides a clear, practical framework to support these busy bugs in enabling nature recovery.

“By working together, across all landscapes, it is possible to restore pollinator populations and create an island that is richer in biodiversity, more resilient to climate change, and better for people and nature alike.”

Pollinators play a crucial role in plant reproduction, biodiversity and food production, but experts say their numbers continue to decline because of habitat loss, climate change and pollution, including pesticide use.

Building on a decade of progress

The new strategy builds on the success of the original All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, first launched in 2015 and now regarded internationally as a leading example of coordinated conservation.

According to the National Biodiversity Data Centre, previous phases of the programme have delivered all planned actions while engaging more than 120 partner organisations, all 42 local authorities across the island, more than 400 businesses and hundreds of community groups.

More than 14,000 pollinator-friendly actions have also been recorded through the scheme’s public mapping system.

The new five-year plan includes 50 strategic aims and 75 success measures, with annual reporting intended to track progress and maintain accountability.

Its work will focus on key sectors including farmland, public land, transport corridors, businesses and local communities.

Monitoring recovery

Dr Sara McGuckin, Head of Natural Science at the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, said improving scientific monitoring would be key to understanding whether pollinator populations recover.

“Halting and reversing pollinator species decline is essential to securing healthy, resilient ecosystems and sustainable food systems,” she said.

“NIEA is delighted to continue our strong partnership through the All Ireland Pollinator Plan to 2030.

“By strengthening our monitoring of pollinators, we can develop a better understanding of what our rare and threatened species need and track recovery of pollinator populations across Ireland.”

Organisers say the plan is intended to empower people to take practical action for biodiversity, arguing that small changes made collectively can have a significant impact on restoring pollinator habitats and strengthening the natural environment for future generations.

For more information about the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, visit pollinators.ie.