PLT Is a group of like-minded individuals who have come together to form a united front, and to do their bit to arrest the rapid decline in All pollinating insects within in the London conurbation.

PLT is a joint initiative of the Gardener's and Wax Chandlers Livery Companies, instigated six years ago. It is made up of specialist's in entomology, botany and agronomy, who are drawn from a wide church of organisations with exceptional expertise for PLT to call-upon on.

The City Livery Companies and Ward Clubs have become involved with members who too are concerned about the loss of these important insects who do so much to ensure we enjoy the flora seen in our daily life. Our Clerk, Mrs Gaisford initiated the Company’s involvement, and I have, metaphorically speaking taken up the reins. 

The main issues for the decline in pollinating insects is complex. There are many theories of why: the obvious ones are lack of forage, pollution, competition from other insects, climate change, pesticides, and ignorance too.

There are four principle agents to the pollination of flora with the wind the main agency, a multitude of insects, birds and mammals and water.

All terrestrial ecosystems rely on pollinating systems, there has and still is a myth that without Honeybees the flora we know would within a short time disappear. Honeybees and other bees do play a part, but so do other agencies.

The decline in pollinating insects is aggravated by the chronic shortfall in pollen bearing flora. Pollen is the essential protein supplement of the insect grubs diet in its development from egg to imago. Without pollen being readily available the insects cannot develop. Bumblebee conservation is known to suggest that shortages of flora does create and hamper full size development of emerging adults. The colony size of a bumblebee is scant averaging 500 to 600 foraging workers whereas Honeybees can muster 30,000 to 50,000+.

There is much concern about the Honeybee in the hands of beekeepers that it aggravates the matter especially in urban situations. In a natural situation the two species can prosper without difficulty. However, in nature you do not find several Honeybee colonies living in close proximity as is often the situation in apiaries. PLT’s concerns is the Honeybee impacts in Urban environments to the detriment of all other pollinators.

PLT has recognised this particular issue and through its stewardship have mustered a team of specialist environmentalists to engender all City of London organisation's to get involved. It is a myth to say Honeybees are in decline to the extent that without them all animal life would ultimately fail. It is the humble Bumblebee who is on the “Red Danger List”. It is asked not to encourage City Institutions within the square mile and beyond to have Honeybees on their premises.

In addition, overtures have been made to all the Livery Companies and Ward Clubs to become involved. From a personal perspective, l believe everyone one in the Farriers Company would like to do their bit to halt the decline in all pollinating insects. To this end, l can make suggestions to you on how your modest contribution can help with a minimum input and timescales, to achieve a modicum of success in arresting the decline in Bumblebees, Butterflies and Moths. By planting certain flowers and shrubs you will readily observe within a short time, the arrival of rarely seen butterflies and moths, seeking out bounties of both nectar and pollen.

Liveryman Michael Badger MBE – Pollinating London Together, Farriers' Company Representative.