Pollinators are under pressure — and willow offers critical early forage in spring. Flowering weeks before most crops, willow supports insects during the “hungry gap.”
What we know about willow as an early source of nectar and pollen
Male catkins provide pollen; female catkins provide nectar.
Early flowering catkins feed honeybees, bumblebees, hoverflies, butterflies and moths.
A single hectare can produce millions of flowers.
Willow planting can boost pollinator activity in adjacent crops and habitats.
What we're exploring next
Varietal differences in timing and abundance of nectar/pollen.
How willow plantings enhance biodiversity and crop yields.
Linking pollinator benefits to farmer stewardship schemes.
Who should care
Beekeepers
Farmers of insect pollinated food crops
Local authorities
Housing developers looking to maximise biodiversity net gain
