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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Not only that, but an e-newsletter was sent out to our mailing list last week as well. Read it here mailchi.mp/059e12556922... and subscribe here ukpoms.org.uk/subscribe

Composite of two images, one showing a hoverfly on a flower, and one showing a volunteer carrying out a PoMS 1 km square survey. Photos by @kitenet.bsky.social and @buzzscience.bsky.social

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Our latest Annual Report is out, covering the year 2025 🎉 It includes our latest results & the trend analysis being developed as Official Statistics, plus updates from PoMS partners & volunteers, species highlights, FIT Counts for the National Education Nature Park, & more ukpoms.org.uk/reports

Images of the PoMS Annual Report, showing the front cover with a hoverfly photo, and examples of two pages from the report. Available in English and Welsh.

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Good morning from Groundswell! Getting ready for the Biodiversity Bimble with ADAS, Buglife and @bumblebeetrust.bsky.social. Find us at the Safari Tent 11am or come and talk to the team at the @ukceh.bsky.social stand C36 ☀️

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Thanks to Guy Singh-Watson for including FIT Counts in the latest newsletter from Riverford, describing the counts as "a welcome opportunity to slow down and take in the natural world". Read the full article at wickedleeks.riverford.co.uk/opinion/news...

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Despite the cool temperature today, bees were enjoying the Hawthorn flowers. Hawthorn is one of the FIT Count target flowers - read more at ukpoms.org.uk/hurray-for-h...

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Great to catch up with so many of our brilliant volunteers at last night's 1 km square survey webinar - almost 2,000 days of survey visits since we started! A few squares still available to adopt - if you live near a red square & want to know more please get in touch ukpoms.org.uk/contact

Map of the UK showing approximate locations of PoMS 1 km squares, colour coded with red squares not yet adopted by a surveyor

Part of last night's webinar for out 1 km square volunteers, with a bar chart showing the number of days of survey visits each year, and some photos of surveyors and survey kit in action. There have been 1,999 days of survey visits to PoMS squares since we started in 2017 (276 days in 2025 alone).

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

It's great to see FIT Count results coming in now that the weather is a bit warmer and sunnier, with counts on dandelion being popular at the moment - see our FIT Counts map here: ukpoms.org.uk/fit-counts-map

A solitary bee (female of Tawny Mining Bee, Andrena fulva) on a dandelion flower

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

NEW: a "Quick Guide" to FIT Counts (pdf) is now available from the PoMS website, providing a summary of how to do the counts and how to recognise the insect groups. This is a welcome addition to our more detailed guides, which are of course still available as well! ukpoms.org.uk/news/quick-g...

Images of the two pages of the new Quick Guide to Flower-Insect Timed Counts - the first page outlines the FIT Count method, and the second page provides tips on recognising the insect groups that we ask you to count

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Today’s weather looking very promising for lunchtime #FITcounts at @pomscheme.bsky.social HQ, having been just below thresholds so far this week 🤞☀️🐝

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Thanks to the staff and visitors who joined us this lunchtime for some #FITcounts on our Wallingford site @ukceh.bsky.social Looks like a great year for the Buttercups and Dandelions, with plenty of pollinators out today (all too quick to photograph!) 😊☀️🪰🐝🐞

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Guidance on identifying the insect groups is available in our free FIT Count app ukpoms.org.uk/fit-count-app and on the PoMS website ukpoms.org.uk/fit-counts - and don't forget to send in your count results, including any zero counts (which sometimes happens at the start of the season 😢)

A series of five overlapping screenshots showing parts of the insect identification guide that is included within the FIT Count app

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Counts can be done at any time from 1 April to 30 September, but please do wait for the right weather conditions before starting your first FIT Count: above 13°C in sunshine, or above 15°C in cloudier conditions, is best for the insects and more enjoyable for you!

Poster: weather guidance.
When the sky is more than half blue, it is fine for FIT Counts if temperature is 13°C or higher.
If the sky is half or more cloudy it is okay for FIT Counts if temperature is 15°C or higher.
Please do not do FIT Counts in the cold or rain!

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Welcome to the new season for #pollinator FIT Counts! Our latest e-news was sent out this morning - read it here mailchi.mp/7e658beeba40... and subscribe at ukpoms.org.uk/subscribe As soon as the weather is warm enough we hope that you will enjoy watching and counting insects on flowers with us.

Two people carrying out a FIT Count in a flowery meadow, using a quadrat made out of tape to mark out the target flowers for the count. One person is using the FIT Count app, the other has a paper recording form on a clipboard.

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

Just over two weeks to go before the 2026 FIT Counts for #pollinators start up again ukpoms.org.uk/fit-counts Dandelions are one of the target flowers at the start of the season, often attracting flies and bees

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

As well as the FIT Count survey, we run a more systematic survey using insect traps in a set of 1 km squares across the UK. If you live near one of the red squares on the map and are interested in taking part please contact us for more details ukpoms.org.uk/one-km-squar...

Map of the UK showing the approximate location of the PoMS 1 km survey squares, and which ones are available for 'adoption' to carry out pollinator surveys

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

Target flowers for FIT Counts at the moment include heathers, Ivy, Buddleia & thistles, but if you don't have any of those nearby it's fine to use other flowers - see the FIT Count guides at ukpoms.org.uk/fit-counts and give it a try over the bank holiday 👍

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

We're on track for our highest ever total of FIT Counts this year 👏🎉 - a huge thank you to everyone taking part 🙏 And there's still a month to go! All counts up to the end of September will add to the data for this year and help us monitor changes in #pollinator numbers.

Chart showing the numbers of FIT Counts accumulating from April to September each year, with the line for 2025 set to reach a higher total than any previous year

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

The latest PoMS e-news went out yesterday, with updates on FIT Counts in 2025; news of a new UK butterfly; research on plants for pollinators; PoMS local projects; & some great forthcoming events. If you missed it you can read it at mailchi.mp/e73193cb8054... & subscribe at ukpoms.org.uk/subscribe

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

NEW: Your PoMS Insights - if you sent in a FIT Count in 2024-25 you may have had an email from us with feedback on how your results compare to the overall totals, and to thank you for your participation - and hopefully encourage you to keep adding new counts! More info: ukpoms.org.uk/news/insights

Graphics showing examples from the new PoMS Insights emails:
- Count activity: Shows the counts you have contributed in 2025 (pink line) and 2024 (grey line). Every single count helps make our data more meaningful!
- Target flowers: Shows which target flowers you have used for your counts this year
- Insect diversity: Shows the number of insects from all your FIT Counts this year, compared to the overall averages.

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

We even had a few Silver-washed Fritillaries visiting the buddleja 😊 @savebutterflies.bsky.social 3/3

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

A great day at RHS Garden Rosemoor discovering #pollinators with RHS staff and volunteers. The rain held off for two fun #FITcount sessions, Scabious and Fennel buzzing with insects in the Cottage Garden! #BeesNeedsWeek2025

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

Lots of #pollinator discussion and a chance for visitors to meet some insects up close at today's @kewgardens.bsky.social event for #BeesNeedsWeek with colleagues from Defra and @uniofreading.bsky.social #BeesNeedsWeek2025

Visitors to the displays under the amazing structure of The Hive at Kew Gardens

A FIT Count in progress targeting knapweed in the wild flower meadow next to The Hive

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

Thanks to everyone who came to see us in the @ukceh.bsky.social stand or #Biodiversity Bimble at #Groundswell. Lots of inspiring chat on insect monitoring within regenerative farming systems, plus a #FITCount on white clover in the showground 🐝😍☀️

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

Last week we held a workshop at Oxford Island Nature Reserve on the shores of Lough Neagh with @daera-ni.gov.uk staff, volunteers, placement students and the All-Ireland #Pollinator Plan team discussing all things PoMS! Species rich meadows provided a great opportunity for #FITCounts too #Insectweek

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

The UK PoMS Annual Report 2024 is out now, celebrating the start of @royentsoc.bsky.social #InsectWeek! Huge thanks to all who have contributed. Read lots more in the thread below 👇 and find the full report here ukpoms.org.uk/reports

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

The sun is shining for #FITcounts this weekend! On Sunday @pomscheme.bsky.social team enjoyed introducing families to the insect life on our community meadow, as part of The Springline Project @chilternsnl.bsky.social #MendtheGap We’d love to hear of other community events where you are 🐝☀️

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

It was a great pleasure to host the wonderful #SoutheastPollinatorCensus team on #worldbeeday! After inspiring discussions at @ukceh.bsky.social we headed to local #allotments for a glimpse into the incredible work of Nadine blending her unique horticultural and wildlife gardening skills!

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 19/04/2025

Other target flowers that are widespread at the moment include White Deadnettle ukpoms.org.uk/white-dead-n... and Buttercup ukpoms.org.uk/glowing-butt... - if you're not already familiar with FIT Counts see ukpoms.org.uk/fit-counts

A bumblebee feeds from a White Dead-nettle flower while an ant looks on

A hoverfly feeds from a Buttercup flower

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 19/04/2025

The weather is a bit mixed this weekend but #pollinator FIT Counts might be possible in sheltered, sunny spots. Here's a Green-veined White butterfly enjoying a rather wind-swept dandelion. This is a target flower for FIT Counts - read more on the PoMS blog ukpoms.org.uk/delightful-d...

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

The @ukceh.bsky.social PoMS team enjoyed their first FIT Counts of 2025 during the sunshine at lunchtime today! Great to be back in action again, look forward to seeing everyone's results during the coming months.

A collage of four photos:
1. A FIT Count taking place on a grassy area outside the UKCEH reception entrance, and adjacent to the reception signboard.
2. A person's hands holding the FIT Count app while watching insects of a group of flowers within a quadrat.
3. Two people watching insects during a FIT Count on a blackthorn hedge.
4. Close up of a solitary bee (Andrena flavipes) on a dandleion flower.

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

Our latest newsletter celebrates the new FIT Count season tomorrow (Tues 1 April), + opportunities to join the 1 km square survey, & links to some recent pollinator research (some courtesy of @jeffollerton.bsky.social). Read it here mailchi.mp/0195981bd75f... & subscribe ukpoms.org.uk/subscribe

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

We also run a more detailed 1 km square survey ukpoms.org.uk/one-km-squar.... Our fantastic volunteers are getting prepared & many squares are adopted & ready to go! Can you help us fill in the gaps where there are red squares? Contact us for more info ukpoms.org.uk/contact

Map of the UK showing the locations of the PoMS 1 km square surveys, with unadopted squares highlighted

Four images from the 1 km square surveys:
Field kit for 1 km square survey.
Processing samples in the PoMS lab
Insect samples stored for future reference
Survey sites are a mix of farmed and wild landscapes

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

Once we get to 1 April, please do wait for the right weather conditions before starting your first FIT Count! Above 13°C in sunshine, or above 15°C in cloudier conditions, is best for the insects and more enjoyable for you!

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

The new FIT Count season is nearly here 🎉🎆👏 From 1st April onwards, when weather is good, enjoy spending 10 minutes counting the insects that visit flowers - wherever you can find flowers, and as often as you wish, to help monitor #pollinators. Full details on our website ukpoms.org.uk/fit-counts

Poster: Ten steps to carry out a FIT Count
1. A FIT Count requires 10–15 minutes to enjoy watching and counting insects!
2. Take part on any day with good weather from 1 April to 30 September.
3. "Good weather" is dry, and with temperature at least 13°C in sunny conditions, or at least 15°C when cloudy.
4. Choose just one type of flower as your target flower – use a FIT Count target flower if you can, or choose any other flower as the target.
5. Mark out a 50 × 50 cm patch containing your target.
6. Count how many individual target flowers are in your patch.
7. Set a timer for 10 minutes, and count all insects that touch (land or are already sitting) the target flowers.
8. Identify the insects into their broad groups (bumblebees, hoverflies etc.) – any that you don't recognise should be counted as "other insects".
9. Answer some simple habitat and weather questions.
10. Don't forget to send in your results via our FIT Count app or website recording form (even if your result is zero insects!).

Full details on the POMS website and FIT Count app.

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

The latest annual report from our @naturescot.bsky.social colleagues: "Huge thanks to our many partners in delivering pollinator-friendly projects all across Scotland. Find out more in our Annual #Pollinator Report" www.nature.scot/doc/pollinat...

Photo of open landscape with wild flowers, in the foreground is a signboard:
Pollinator Strategy for Scotland: Managed for wildlife
Long grass and wildflowers are a haven for pollinators and other wildlife

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

Hi and welcome to our new followers! The most recent PoMS e-news was sent out about a month ago - if you missed it you can read it here mailchi.mp/277296856b09... and join the free mailing list here ukpoms.org.uk/subscribe

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 20/01/2025

The above webinar is part of the Citizen Science Showcase (22 Feb–1 Mar 2025): Free online & in-person training events, talks, & resources on community science projects across the south-west of England 🐙🐝🌿- organised by the Natural History Consortium, info at bit.ly/CitizenScien...

Poster highlighting the range of events taking place from 22 February to 1 March 2025. This event is part of the Wessex Citizen Science Local Pilot, organised by the Natural History Consortium, in partnership with Natural England, and funded by Defra’s Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) Programme.

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 20/01/2025

'Messy nature' supports #pollinators & #biodiversity recovery - read more in a blog by @pomscheme.bsky.social co-ordinator Claire Carvell: ukpoms.org.uk/node/74

Start of blog text: Inspired by the many community-based initiatives dedicated to nature recovery and peoples’ wellbeing, and especially those that have been in touch with UK PoMS over the past year, I have been reflecting on activities closer to home.

In a village close to PoMS HQ, the local wildlife group has been involved in a project to create a community meadow on the village green. The group put a proposal to the Parish Council in 2021 to run a three-year trial that would align closely with its obligations under the (then new) Environment Act, operating in England, to consider actions to conserve and enhance biodiversity.

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 20/01/2025

The UK #Pollinator Monitoring Scheme is pleased to join Bluesky! Follow us for information on the scheme, and on #pollinators, #plants and #insects. Looking forward to the start of the new survey season on 1 April 2025.

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