How to Create a Pollinator-Friendly Garden in Preston, Lancashire

5 hours ago
4 min read

Bee on a daisy at a pollinator-friendly garden at Let's Grow Preston

Pollinators play a vital role in our environment. Bees, butterflies, hoverflies, moths, and other insects help pollinate many of the plants we rely on for food, flowers, and healthy ecosystems.

Unfortunately, pollinator populations face increasing challenges from habitat loss, climate change, and a lack of suitable food sources. The good news is that gardeners can make a real difference.

At Let’s Grow Preston, we believe gardening can be a powerful way to support both people and nature. By creating pollinator-friendly spaces, we can help improve local biodiversity, make our green spaces more vibrant, and create healthier environments for communities across Preston.

Whether you have a large garden, an allotment, or a few containers on a balcony, here are some simple ways to make your growing space more welcoming for pollinators.

Choose Pollinator-Friendly Plants

One of the easiest ways to attract pollinators is by growing plants that provide nectar and pollen.

Some excellent pollinator-friendly plants include:

Lavender
Calendula
Cosmos
Sunflowers
Foxgloves
Cornflowers
Nasturtiums
Verbena
Buddleia

Planting a variety of flowers that bloom at different times of year helps provide a continuous food source for insects.

Plant for All Seasons

Pollinators need food throughout the growing season.

Consider including plants that flower in:

Spring

Crocus
Primrose
Lungwort

Summer

Lavender
Cosmos
Sunflowers

Autumn

Sedum
Asters
Ivy flowers

A garden with year-round interest provides valuable support for local wildlife.

Grow Native Plants Where Possible

Native plants have evolved alongside local wildlife and are often particularly valuable for pollinators.

Many UK wildflowers provide excellent food sources and can thrive in gardens, community spaces, and allotments.

Examples include:

Oxeye daisy
Red clover
Bird's-foot trefoil
Common knapweed

Native planting can help strengthen local ecosystems while adding beauty to your garden.

Provide Water for Wildlife

Pollinators need access to water, especially during warm summer weather.

Simple ways to help include:

A shallow dish of water with pebbles
Small wildlife ponds
Water features with safe landing areas

Even a small water source can support a range of beneficial insects.

Create Habitats and Shelter

Pollinators need safe places to rest, nest, and overwinter.

You can help by:

Leaving some areas slightly wild
Creating log piles
Allowing grass to grow longer in some sections
Installing bee hotels
Leaving seed heads over winter

Perfectly tidy gardens often provide fewer opportunities for wildlife.

Reduce Pesticide Use

Many pesticides can harm pollinators directly or reduce the availability of food sources.

Instead, consider:

Encouraging natural predators
Hand-removing pests where practical
Growing a diverse range of plants
Using wildlife-friendly gardening techniques

Healthy ecosystems often help regulate pests naturally.

No Garden? You Can Still Help

You don't need a large outdoor space to support pollinators.

Many pollinator-friendly plants grow well in:

Containers
Window boxes
Hanging baskets
Community gardens

A small collection of flowering plants can still provide valuable food sources for bees and butterflies.

Why Pollinator-Friendly Gardening Matters

At Let’s Grow Preston, we know that gardening is about much more than growing plants.

Creating spaces that support pollinators can help:

Increase local biodiversity
Strengthen ecosystems
Support food production
Create greener communities
Encourage people to connect with nature

When people come together to improve local green spaces, the benefits often extend far beyond the garden itself.

Pollinator-friendly gardening can become a shared community activity that helps people learn new skills, spend time outdoors, and contribute to a healthier environment for everyone.

Get Involved with Let’s Grow Preston

Across Preston, community gardeners, volunteers, and growing projects are helping create spaces that support both people and wildlife.

Whether you're interested in gardening, sustainability, biodiversity, or volunteering, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Together, we can help create greener, healthier, and more connected communities across Preston.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pollinator-Friendly Gardens

What is a pollinator-friendly garden?

A pollinator-friendly garden is a space designed to provide food, shelter, and habitat for pollinating insects such as bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and moths. These gardens use a variety of nectar-rich plants and wildlife-friendly features to support local biodiversity.

Why are pollinators important?

Pollinators play a crucial role in helping plants reproduce. Many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers depend on pollinators to produce seeds and crops. Healthy pollinator populations help support food production and thriving ecosystems.

What are the best plants for attracting bees in the UK?

Some of the best bee-friendly plants include lavender, calendula, cosmos, foxgloves, sunflowers, verbena, and buddleia. Native wildflowers such as red clover and knapweed are also excellent choices.

Can I create a pollinator-friendly garden in a small space?

Yes. Even a small garden, patio, balcony, or window box can support pollinators. Growing nectar-rich flowers in containers can provide valuable food sources for bees and butterflies.

Do pollinators need water?

Yes. Pollinators need access to water, particularly during warm weather. A shallow dish filled with water and pebbles provides a safe place for insects to drink.

Should I avoid using pesticides in a pollinator-friendly garden?

Where possible, it is best to reduce or avoid pesticide use. Many pesticides can harm beneficial insects. Wildlife-friendly gardening methods can help create a healthier environment for pollinators and other wildlife.

What flowers attract butterflies?

Butterflies are attracted to nectar-rich flowers such as buddleia, verbena, lavender, cosmos, and sedum. Planting a variety of flowering plants can help attract different butterfly species throughout the year.

How can I help pollinators throughout the year?

Choose plants that flower in different seasons so pollinators have access to food from spring through autumn. Providing shelter, water, and nesting habitats can also support pollinators year-round.

How does pollinator-friendly gardening support biodiversity?

Pollinator-friendly gardens provide food and habitat for a wide range of insects and wildlife. By supporting pollinators, gardeners help strengthen local ecosystems and contribute to healthier, more resilient environments.

How does Let’s Grow Preston support pollinators and biodiversity?

Let’s Grow Preston helps create and maintain community growing spaces that support both people and nature. Through gardening projects, volunteering opportunities, and horticultural activities, we encourage sustainable practices that benefit biodiversity, wellbeing, and community connection across Preston.

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