Flower diversity on dikes boosts wild bee populations

Research conducted at Radboud University by ecologist Constant Swinkels indicates that increasing flower variety on dikes near Nijmegen significantly boosts insect populations. Monitoring dike grasslands revealed that having six to seven different flower species accounts for more than half of the total increase in insects.

While bumblebee numbers continue to rise with increased floral diversity, the study highlights that rare and vulnerable species require even greater variety to return. Providing a wide range of plants, including knapweed, red clover, dandelions, and buttercups, allows pollinators to better share available food resources and select preferred species, which increases community stability.