Sown wildflowers between vines increase beneficial insect abundance and richness in a British vineyard

Traditional vineyards are generally intensive monocultures with high pesticide usage. Viticulture is one of the fastest-growing sectors English agriculture, although there currently limited research on habitat management practices. In a vineyard in East Sussex, England, we tested five inter-row ground cover treatments their potential supporting beneficial insects: two commercially available seed mixes (meadow mix and pollen nectar mix), wild bee (formulated based pollinator foraging preferences), natural regeneration, regularly mowed grass. Over years, from May to August, conducted monthly floral surveys insect using transect walks pan traps. The abundance richness flowers regeneration treatment were twice that mown treatment. By year 2, “total insects” sampled was significantly higher compared mown. Likewise, significant effect type richness, mean found mix. Solitary wasp family highest lowest Given rapid growth lack specific environmental recommendations for British viticulture, demonstrate simple effective approach insects ecosystem services. Promotion perennial wildflowers through sowing or allowing has boost biodiversity large scale if widely adopted.