Unfortunately, pollinators have experienced significant declines, and continue to do so today. Wild pollinators are most at risk in the UK and globally. 

Wild colonies and solitary species need large areas of habitat in which to create nests and collect nectar and pollen resources. However, intensification of land management in the form of larger fields with no flower margins, removal of hedgerows, application of chemicals and pesticides, and increases in density of grazing animals has been responsible for much of their misfortune in the UK. 

Pesticides are particularly problematic. While deigned to remove species that damage crops, they also decimate pollinators who come into contact with them and impact on colony health and productivity. 

Pests and diseases are a significant issue for honeybees and some wild species. Non-native diseases such as american foul brood are contagious and can kill colonies.

Pests such as varroa mites have also caused issues for native bees. Fortunately, there is growing evidence that UK honeybees are developing methods of coping with them. There is currently an emerging threat from Asian Hornets, a non-native species that kills bees, and has decimated colonies in Europe.