Urbanization linked to a 43 per cent drop in pollinating insects

(Press-News.org) *Images available*

Urban landscapes support 43 per cent fewer pollinator species according to a new study from the University of Sheffield

A research team conducted a comparative study at allotment sites in three major cities across England and found that those in more urbanised areas saw the highest decline in insect pollinator species

The study found that relative to bees, nocturnal moths and hoverflies - which can be just as important for pollination - are particularly sensitive to the effects of urbanisation

Researchers warn that more needs to be done to understand and conserve pollinating insects that are vulnerable to the effects of habitat loss through urbanisation

Pollinating insects are vital for the reproduction of up to 90 per cent of wild flowering plant species and many crop species

Increasing urbanisation is linked to a decline in crucial pollinator populations, including nocturnal moths, hoverflies, and bees, according to a new study from the University of Sheffield.

The research, which paints a concerning picture for biodiversity, is published today (August 6, 2025) in the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal.

On allotment sites in Sheffield, Leeds and Leicester, a research team sampled pollinator species in a range of urban settings from city centres to more suburban areas. They found that there was a decline in species abundance and richness - up to 43 per cent - on allotments situated in more built-up areas.

The findings suggest that a wide range of pollinators are under threat in urban landscapes, and the researchers warn that more needs to be done to understand and conserve pollinating insects that are vulnerable to the effects of habitat loss through urbanisation.

Emilie Ellis, lead author of the study from the University of Sheffield’s School of Biosciences, said: “The scale of the threat to many pollinator species remains relatively unknown due to a global focus on bees. However moths and hoverflies are just as important for our ecosystems, and our results show they may be particularly vulnerable in urban habitats.

“Pollinating insects are vital for the reproduction of up to 90 per cent of wild flowering plant species and many crop species. As urbanisation causes more habitat loss, insect communities suffer and ecosystems become fragile. Our study identifies some of the features of urban greenspaces that are key to preserving and growing habitats for pollinators that are vulnerable to environmental change.”

The study shows that the cause of reduced pollinator diversity and abundance varies depending on the species, but is primarily driven through a reduction in the tree canopy and semi-natural habitat that form part of the green spaces found in our cities.

Jill Edmondson, senior author from the University of Sheffield’s School of Biosciences, said: “Allotments form greenspace oases in the urban landscape, with a rich mix of crops and flowers species to support pollinator communities, but, as the area of impervious surface (or the concrete, tarmac and buildings that often form the urban landscape we recognise) around allotments increased there was less habitat available for all pollinator groups. This may have consequences for crop pollination and ultimately yield in more urban allotments. 

“Our study demonstrates the importance of urban semi-natural spaces for insects, which we rely on, not just to make our gardens beautiful, but to support worldwide farming systems.”

Stuart Campbell, co-author from the University of Sheffield’s School of Biosciences, said: “All pollinating insects struggle to find suitable food and habitat in cities, but there haven’t been many studies directly comparing different groups. The greater sensitivity of hoverflies and moths to urbanisation might be due to their ecological requirements. 

“All of these species need flowers to feed on, but moths also require tree and shrub canopies, and food plants for their caterpillars, while many hoverflies require stagnant water to breed. These are all habitat characteristics that can be much harder to find in more heavily built up areas, and we will need to consider these features in order to conserve such a diverse group of insects for future generations.”

The team say the findings should underpin a more nuanced approach to pollinator conservation, and point out that more engagement with urban planners, stakeholders and policymakers is required to successfully protect the habitat features needed to support and sustain diverse pollinating insect communities in urban areas.

Emilie Ellis was funded by a PhD Scholarship from the Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures with Jill Edmondson and Stuart Campbell as supervisors. Emilie is currently a postdoctoral associate with the Research Centre for Ecological Change at the University of Helsinki. 

The University of Sheffield’s School of Biosciences is working to solve some of the most pressing global challenges, from climate change and cancer, to sustainability and healthy ageing. Join us to study courses that cover the full breadth of biology, from molecular and cell biology, genetics, development, human physiology and pharmacology through to evolution, ecology, biodiversity conservation and sustainability.

 

ENDS

Media contact: Rebecca Ferguson, Media Relations Officer, +44 (0)7710 025896, r.l.ferguson@sheffield.ac.uk

The University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is a leading Russell Group university, with a world-class reputation, ranked within the Top 100 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026 and Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025). Over 30,000 students from 150 countries study at Sheffield and in a truly global community, they learn alongside over 1,500 of the world’s leading academics.

Sheffield’s world-shaping research feeds into its excellent education. Students learn at the leading edge of discovery from researchers who are tackling today’s biggest global challenges. 

At its core, Sheffield is a place where independent thinkers can come together in pursuit of a shared ambition. To ask bold questions, push boundaries, and make a difference. This is what makes the University of Sheffield one of the best in the world.

From the first documented use of penicillin as a therapy in 1930, to building Europe’s largest research-led manufacturing cluster, Sheffield’s inventive spirit and top quality research environment sets it apart. 

Current research partners include Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Unilever, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Siemens and Airbus, as well as many government agencies and charitable foundations.

Sheffield was voted University of the Year in 2024 at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards - the largest annual university awards in the UK voted for exclusively by students. The award reflects a commitment to world-class education and an outstanding student experience. Its Students' Union, which is home to more than 350 societies and clubs, was also named Best Students’ Union in the UK for seven consecutive years between 2017-2024.

Over 300,000 Sheffield alumni from 205 different countries make a significant influence across the world, with six Nobel Prize winners included amongst former staff and students.

END