Workshop on Plants for Pollinators

The Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee is pleased to announce its upcoming Plants for Pollinators Workshop. This event split into two sessions will combine theoretical knowledge with practical fieldwork to promote native pollinator-friendly plants and biodiversity conservation. The workshop will be delivered by expert Mr. Jonathan Henwood.

Flowering plants play an essential role in supporting not only the Maltese honey bees, but all sorts of pollinators such as solitary bees, butterflies, moths and beetles among others. However, not all flowers offer the same ecological value, and choosing the right plants can make a significant difference to local biodiversity.

This workshop offers a valuable opportunity to deepen your knowledge and learn practical ways to support pollinators, while directly contributing to the Foundation‘s conservation and educational initiatives.

The workshop consists of two complementary sessions, combining a three-hour theoretical introduction with a one-hour fieldwork experience.

Session #1: Understanding Plants and Pollinators

The theoretical session held at the Valletta Design Cluster will explore the fascinating relationships between flowering plants and their pollinators, covering:

Flower Biology and Pollination: Flower structure, reproduction, nectar and pollen production, and how flowers attract pollinators.
Pollinators and Their Importance: Malta’s main pollinator groups, their ecological roles, and the importance of pollination for biodiversity and food production.
Choosing the Right Plants: Understanding the differences between ornamental and pollinator-friendly plants, native and non-native species, and the importance of floral diversity.
Maltese Flora Throughout the Year: Identifying nectar- and pollen-producing plants across Malta’s Mediterranean seasons, including their characteristics and habitats.
Creating Pollinator-Friendly Spaces: Selecting and maintaining suitable plants for gardens, balconies, rooftops and other spaces, while considering water conservation, shelter and nesting habitats.

Session #2: Putting Knowledge into Practice

The fieldwork session, held at the Grow 10 Trees Nursery in Birkirkara, will provide participants with an opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge through:

Guided Nursery Tour and Plant Identification: Recognising native and locally occurring nectar- and pollen-producing plants, including trees, shrubs and herbs.
Evaluating Plants for Pollinators: Examining flower structures, identifying potential nectar and pollen sources, and assessing their value to different pollinators.