Comparing the efficacy of agri‐environment schemes to enhance bumble bee abundance and diversity on arable field margins

摘要: 1. Declines in abundance and diversity of bumble bees (Bombus spp.) Europe have been linked to agricultural intensification the resulting loss suitable foraging nesting habitats. Environmental Stewardship (ES) is a new scheme England offering opportunity restore habitats value for these important pollinators land. Scientific evaluation options prescribed within essential ensure that their objectives are met benefits can be realized by full bee species assemblage. 2. We compared efficacy different ES field margins on arable land enhancing flowering resources bees. Our study was conducted over 3 years using multisite experiment. 3. Overall, uncropped sown with mixtures containing nectar pollen-producing plants were more effective providing forage than grass mix, allowed regenerate naturally or managed as conservation headlands. 4. A mixture legumes established quickly attracted average highest total bees, including rare long-tongued Bombus ruderatus muscorum. However, marked differences observed between sexes responses margin management time. 5. diverse native wildflowers shorter-tongued spp. provided greater continuity resources, especially early season. Allowing Cirsium flower such also increased attractiveness male 6. Synthesis applications. results suggest legume-based 'pollen mix', under Entry Level England, provide highly attractive resource but issues seasonal phenology longevity need addressed. Establishment 'floristically enhanced margins' Higher will perennial communities support range other pollinators. The population-level introduced seed agri-environment require further order maximize schemes intensively farmed landscapes. © 2006 Authors.