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<p>In 2017 the Government published its first progress report for the National Pollinator
Strategy. It highlights positive progress with the Strategy’s 23 policy and 11 evidence
actions.</p><p> </p><p>For example, in 2015 we introduced a Pollinator and Wildlife
Package to our Countryside Stewardship Scheme to provide a suite of habitats on farmland.
We now have 2,000 new agreements in place that include the Package (47% of the total
since 2015) and, together with other options, they are delivering 2,600 hectares of
flower rich margins or pollen and nectar plots to support wild pollinators. We are
currently evaluating the impact of Countryside Stewardship on wild pollinators. This
research will be completed in 2019.</p><p> </p><p>Through our investment in research,
surveillance and planning we have been able to detect and eradicate the Asian hornet,
an invasive species which poses a devastating threat to honey bees and wild pollinators.</p><p>
</p><p>We have established a dedicated UK pollinator monitoring and research partnership
and, in 2014, we published a new indicator of trends in the status of pollinating
insects. The indicator shows that the overall status of pollinating insects has declined
since 1980. Although not definitive, there are early indications that this trend may
have stabilised in recent years. We will continue to take action for pollinators and
encourage others to do the same through our Bees’ Needs campaigns.</p>
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