Nature reserves and protected areas are the bedrock of biodiversity conservation. By safeguarding core habitats and restoring damaged ecosystems, reserves allow species to recover and thrive. For example, the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa is a model of large-scale restoration. For decades it has turned thousands of acres of former cornfields back into tallgrass prairie and oak savanna. Today roughly 5,600 acres of prairie are managed there, complete with fire management and roaming bison (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, n.d.). As the refuge matured, grassland birds like Henslow’s sparrows, grasshopper sparrows and bobolinks  once in steep decline  have made a remarkable comeback, along with insect pollinators and wildflowers. 

Similar success stories exist worldwide. In Ireland, a recent EU‐funded “Living Bog” project began restoring over 3,000 hectares of raised peat bogs in multiple counties. By blocking drainage ditches, re-wetting the ground and removing encroaching scrub, scientists let the bogs rehydrate and native sphagnum moss and plants recolonise. Early results show that bird species like curlews and merlins are returning to these peatlands, demonstrating how targeted management in reserves can yield rapid biodiversity gains. 

Polliknow at Dunsany Nature Reserve

Polliknow is collaborating with the Dunsany Nature Reserve to monitor Ireland’s largest privately owned nature reserve. Over 500 acres have been set aside for rewilding: native broadleaf forests, hedgerows and wildflower meadows are springing up where manicured lawn and farmland once were. Already, species like red kites, barn owls, pine martens and even otters have been recorded in the reserve. Polliknow’s technology will track the insects in these regenerating habitats over time. By measuring pollinator abundance and diversity year after year, we can document how the reserve’s recovery boosts ecosystem health.

Polliknow recorded over 20 species of insect pollinator in just one week of recording data. 

Restoration work leads to tangible gains for wildlife. By scientifically tracking ecological recovery, we ensure that conservation efforts are both meaningful and measurable.