The EU-project “LIFE-Goodstream” aims to construct and restore wetlands to ‘Good Ecological Status’, in accordance with the Water Framework Directive. Its primary focus is Trönningeån stream, which lies south of the city of Halmstad, on the Swedish west coast. Pollutants from industries and agricultural landscapes can have a major impact on wetland ecosystems. Additionally, LIFE-Goodstream aims to increase the biodiversity found in the agricultural landscape of the Trönningeån drainage area: not only in the water, but also on adjacent land. In the intense agricultural landscapes of the drainage area, there is a distinct lack of nesting sites for wood nesting pollinators--such as various groups of solitary bees and wasps, due to the lack of trees of sufficient age. One possible nature conservation measure is to provide solitary bees and wasps with artificial nest-boxes to support and increase nesting opportunities. Thereafter these nests would have an important role in delivering the ecosystem service of pollination for the many native wild plant species found, as well as the various crops grown, in the Tröningeån drainage areas. 

This project is based on habitat characteristics and solitary bee nesting preferences in 3 primary areas: agricultural landscapes both close and far away from water, and industrial areas in Kistinge. In the period of February-March 2021, data was collected from artificial nest-boxes in 44 areas around Trönningeån, south of Halmstad, Sweden, where 11 different groups of species had been identified by nest construction. The most common nest housing group was Eumeninae wasps. The result of this survey shows a significant effect between agricultural landscapes close and away from water. One group of solitary bees and wasps preferred to construct nests close to water, in agricultural landscapes consisting mostly of the croplands, constructed dams and wetlands. However, occupied cavities were seen to increase in number close to water and decreased away from water. Significant differences were found between industrial areas and agricultural sites. The surrounding Kistinge industrial areas were shown to have a negative influence on solitary bee habitat preference. According to earlier studies, high concentrations of PFAS have been detected in both ground and surface water, possibly affecting the landscape and influencing the number of pollinators.