Long distance pollinators short on bridges, magnets and frameworks

Long distance pollinators such as the local Regent Honeyeater, Grey-headed Flying foxes and Squirrel Gliders play a major role in mixing up the genes of many plant species across the landscape. This aids the overall ability of sedentary vegetation to adapt and cope with human-driven changes such as habitat fragmentation and climate change.

To keep the pollinator networks strong long term plantings are needed for:

• Bridging plants that ensure food during bottlenecks, shortages of nectar and pollen, especially over winter 
• Framework plants that support diverse pollinator networks by providing food resources to a large number of species 
• Magnet plants that provide rich resources of nectar and pollen that attract large numbers of pollinators 

Long-distance pollinator plantings also need long-term planning

• It takes 20 years for some species to begin flowering
• Planting at low densities speeds the canopy development and increases the rate of flower production with age, it’s quality not quantity that’s needed. 
• Planting near water and on fertile soil can also increase flower production and enhance creek corridors.
• Planting less than 1km from existing mature habitat is more likely to attract hollow dependent pollinators and have a better chance of being visited by greater numbers and varieties of pollinators.

Local plants that long distance pollinators love are Swamp Mahogany, Turpentine, Broad-leaved Paperbark, Grey Ironbark, Northern Grey Ironbark, Coastal Banksia, Spotted Gum, Forest Red Gum. If you have space for a tree one of these beauties will not only provide a lifeline for the local wildlife but also grow our local forest and give some shade for you to escape the summer heat.