Clementine Sitoleux
Project Title
Ponds for Pollinators
Biography
Clémentine is a new PhD researcher at Teagasc investigating how farm ponds support pollinators and biodiversity on Irish farmland. Declining pollinator populations threaten biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services; around one third of Ireland’s bee species are currently at risk.
She identifies and characterises farm ponds and inventories the surrounding plant and pollinator communities, assessing which pond attributes (type, age, shading, size) and creation methods best support pollinators—particularly ground‑nesting bees. She also maps semi‑natural habitats at multiple spatial scales and surveys farmers to gauge their knowledge, attitudes and barriers to adopting biodiversity‑friendly practices.
The project seeks to design cost‑effective, evidence‑based interventions—such as targeted pond installation—for adoption in agri‑environment schemes and to inform nature‑restoration policy. Clémentine has expertise in data analysis using R and GIS. Outside the field, she enjoys spending time outdoors with friends, running, gardening and bringing ideas to life by crafting small handmade creations.
Teagasc email Clementine.Sitoleux@teagasc.ie
University email SITOLEUC@tcd.ie
Teagasc Research Programme Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme
Teagasc Research Location Johnstown Castle
University Trinity College Dublin
Teagasc Supervisor Dr Saorla Kavanagh
University Supervisor Professor Jane Stout
Funder Teagasc