Study Sites

Structures have been specially built to study the preferences of wild bees regarding nesting. At each site there are bee hotels, squares of earth and herb spirals.
Eight sites in urban areas and eight peri-urban sites have been set up in 10 boroughs of Greater Lyon participating in the programme.
At these sites, land management in favour of these pollinators will be effective in 2012. During a scientific study lead by the Bee and Environment team of INRA of Avignon and Arthropologia, examination of the fauna of wild bees and surrounding flora will permit us to compare the data from the 16 urban and peri-urban study sites with data taken from semi-natural and agricultural areas. One of the aims of this study is, therefore, to mesure the diversity and abundance of wild bees and the relationship they have with flora (indigenous, exotic, horticultural) in the 4 types of environments presenting an ecologic gradient: semi-natural, agricultural, peri-urban and urban environments.
The main goal of the project is to significantly increase habitat for wild bees. In addition to the 16 000 m2 at our demonstration sites, private gardeners, schools, and other groups are welcome to join the programme and set up the structures themselves and learn about bee-friendly garden management. All data will be added to our map showing the different sites which will help improve the network of biological corridors.