From 7 to 9 October, the RestPoll consortium gathered in Barcelona for its second annual meeting. Over three days, members participated in flash talks, interactive sessions, field visits, and a hands-on workshop, exploring both current progress and future tasks across the project’s 16 Living Labs.
Flash talks and project updates
Task leaders shared updates on monitoring pollinators and pollination in the field, testing co-designed restoration measures, conducting surveys, questionnaires, and interviews and analyzing socio-ecological outcomes. Early results highlighted how co-design levels influence ecological outcomes and how rapid assessments and useful tools for restoration are refined through stakeholder feedback.
Field visits and practical insights
Participants visited the Mas Badia research centre (IRTA), the Frutícola Empordà apple cooperative, and the organic cider farm, Mooma. These visits offered hands-on insights into pollinator-friendly practices, sustainable farming, and innovative technologies such as AI-assisted apple sorting. Discussions with local producers highlighted practical challenges, from implementing environmentally friendly techniques to integrating local knowledge into restoration efforts. Interested in learning more about the day? Check out.
Did you know
Workshops and collaboration
A hands-on workshop allowed members to map out “theories of change” for restoration measures, identifying outcomes, barriers, and synergies. Students also presented their research in a poster session, contributing to the project’s collective knowledge and receiving feedback from consortium members.
Participants’ enthusiasm
The meeting generated great energy and engagement across all attendees. As noted in a recent consortium blog, participants particularly appreciated the field visits and interactive sessions, which combined scientific insights with practical examples. One member reflected:
Key takeaways
- Seven new milestones and five deliverables completed
- Seventeen new members joined the project
- 50% progress toward project completion
- Sixteen Living Labs launched
- Shared vision for a policy brief on restoration regulations
The AGM successfully blended knowledge exchange, hands-on learning, and collaboration, strengthening the consortium’s work toward supporting pollinator habitats across Europe.
