Project Dates: 15.13.23 to 15.06.23

Enabling Pollenize CIC to create an awareness campaign highlighting the issues of pesticide use in Plymouth and its impact on pollinators to encourage pollinator-friendly action in the city, through the campaign of Pesticide Free Plymouth.

Using a range of media, tools and resources, audiences will be inspired with positive messages and tangible solutions to reduce and replace pesticide use, culminating in a final event in the summer for key local stakeholders and the general public, featuring expert speakers and a ‘pesticide amnesty’ – the opportunity to swap chemicals for seeds (ensuring the chemicals are disposed of safely).

The legacy will be at least one Pesticide Free Street, and resources and a template for more streets and towns in Devon to replicate the campaign and reduce or eliminate pesticide use to the benefit of people, wildlife and particularly pollinators.

Pollenize are partnering with several key local stakeholders including: Greenminds (Plymouth City Council), Environment Plymouth, Pesticide Action Network, Devon Wildlife Trust, and Butterfly Conservation.

N.B. The Environmental Funders Network’s report ‘Where the Green Grants Went’ (page 10) highlights how projects addressing toxics and pollution attract just 1% of environmental grant funding and are referred to as a ‘Cinderella’ issue (Exec Summary) because they receive the least attention from funders, but deserve far more due to their impact. DEF is seeking to address this by supporting this project.

Image courtesy of Pollenize, Chris Parkes.

IMPACT SUMMARY JULY 2023:

• The project successfully created over seven videos and a substantial amount of digital content, including blogs that highlight wildflowers often considered ‘weeds’.
• The project had a significant achievement in engaging with local government: a constructive conversation was held with the newly elected councillor responsible for the environment and climate change.
• Pollenize and Buglife are in talks to co-present to the streets team and the wider MP for Plymouth on the dangers of pesticides for pollinator and are also exploring opportunities to present the petition and ideas for pesticide-free alternatives at a Plymouth City Council event.
• In terms of public engagement, the project conducted over 15 bioblitz activities where they discussed people’s views on pesticide usage and the importance of pollinator health.
• The project achieved significant social media coverage across platforms like Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube; and secured a press release in the Plymouth Herald.
• Looking ahead, a desired outcome of the campaign is to encourage Plymouth City Council to provide a free service for the safe disposal of chemical waste.
• The project began a collaboration with Oxford Instruments to test honey bee colonies for pollutants and chemicals.