Contours of the regional ecological network for pollinators: Groene Cirkels bee landscape status at the end of 2017.
Abstract
In the Groene Cirkels bee landscape, the partners work together to curb the decline of (wild) pollinators and the winter mortality of the honey bee (to below 10%). They do this by offering more food and nesting opportunities, making the landscape more attractive and colorful and by being careful with chemicals. Science, governments, business, area managers and civil society organizations work together with farmers, beekeepers and citizens to realize this and to give "the Bee" a good future. The aim is also to mobilize a broad collaboration that is unique within the Netherlands to obtain a regional network of flower-filled gardens, yards, parks, roadsides, business parks, recreational and nature areas and nesting places for (wild) pollinators. The extent to which the Groene Cirkels bee landscape is on track to achieve its goal has been assessed using the LARCH-SCAN model, based on data provided by actors about areas that are under friendly management at the end of 2017 in the municipalities of Leiden, Leiderdorp, Alphen aan de Rijn, Zoeterwoude and Zoetermeer. With LARCH-SCAN, the current contours of the Bee landscape have been mapped by delineating the habitat networks and determining which areas currently serve as "Bed & Breakfast" areas for wild pollinators. This report presents the contours of the regional ecological network and advice on how to strengthen and expand the current network. The intention is to collect the data for a larger area within 2 years and to repeat the analysis.