Shaping the Future for Pollinators — Shaping the Future for Pollinators Innovations in Farmed Landscapes

The Association of Applied Biologists (AAB) has teamed up with the British Ecological Society and Royal Entomological Society to deliver a 3-day conference “Shaping the Future for Pollinators: Innovations in Farmed Landscapes”. Pollinators play a vital role in maintaining both semi-natural and agricultural ecosystems and healthy populations bolster food security, livelihoods and social wellbeing. With evidence that many species of pollinators are in decline, their conservation and management is of great public, economic and political interest. As a result, the ecology and conservation of managed and wild pollinators is a rapidly growing field of research, alongside the study of their associated ecosystem services. This conference aims to determine how we can shape farmed landscapes to make them resilient to future challenges such as climate change. Delegates will explore the impact of agricultural practices at the farm and landscape scale on pollinator behaviour, ecology and the delivery of ecosystem services. Talks and discussions not only to share current best practices on the sustainable management of pollination services, but explore how novel innovations can create new opportunities and address future risks. This conference aims to bring together researchers, practitioners and policymakers to debate recent advancements in the field of pollinator research; and also to go beyond ecological research to explore emerging technologies within the field. Based just 15 minutes from both London and the historic city of Windsor, delegates will be able to deepen their understanding of the topics, expand their networks, and enjoy the nearby attractions on the approach to Christmas. A public ‘Myth Busting’ event will held locally to raise awareness and increase public understanding of pollinators and pollination services.