Why pollinators matter

Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, hoverflies and beetles play a crucial role in keeping our gardens, countryside and food systems alive. By transferring pollen between flowers, they help plants reproduce and set seed, supporting the wildlife around them and even parts of our food supply. Around one in every three mouthfuls of food we eat globally depends on pollinators.

Although Devon still supports a variety of pollinator species, many have declined over recent decades. The UK has lost around 97% of its wildflower-rich grasslands since the 1930s, removing huge foraging areas. Pesticides, pollution, climate pressures and fragmented green spaces add further challenges, especially in towns where flowering habitats can be scarce or disconnected.

The positive news is that pollinators respond quickly when we make space for them. Even a window box or sunny pot of herbs can provide food in spring, while native wildflowers, long grass and flowering shrubs offer nectar, shelter and nesting sites through the year. When many small actions are stitched together across a town, they form stepping stones that help pollinators move, feed and thrive.

Dawlish is rich in gardens, green corners and community spaces. By bringing these together through the Wild Pollinator Trail in May 2026, we hope to support local biodiversity, add seasonal colour and celebrate the role our community can play in caring for wildlife.