Mike Garratt from Reading University's Centre for Agri-Environment Research explores the importance of pollinators and how to protect them. About this event Pollinator numbers are in serious decline from a complex storm of factors including habitat loss, pesticide use and climate change. If you heard about these challenges to pollinators and would like to know more please join us. What are the myths and realities surrounding pollinators? Why do we need to protect them and what can be done? Mike Garratt is a Principal Research Fellow at the University of Reading in the Centre for Agri-Environment Research. He is interested in managing biodiversity in agricultural systems for improved sustainable food production and reduced environmental impacts. Mike has worked on several UK and Global projects trying to understand and manage pollinators and pollination for the benefit of food production and the environment. Mike will be talking about the crucial role pollinators play in our lives and what can be done to protect them. Mike is also involved in the Defra ‘Pollinator Monitoring Scheme’ (POMS) gathering information to understand pollinators. Here at Hazeland, in the Marden Valley, we have been carrying out citizen science pollinator counts as part of POMS and Mike will be sharing how to get involved in your own park or garden. The talks will be hosted by Avon Needs Trees. There will be an opportunity for a Q&A session with the speakers. This is a free, online event organised by Friends of the Marden Valley and Avon Needs Trees. Absolutely all are welcome. To find out more about Friends of the Marden Valley please visit https://www.facebook.com/friendsofthe... For more information on Avon Needs Trees and the 34 acres of land the charity has purchased in the Marden Valley please go to https://www.avonneedstrees.org.uk/ Avon Needs Trees is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Photo of Bumble Bee in the riverside meadow at Hazeland, by Kevan Wind.