​Our AGM speaker, Matthew Elmes from Pollenize CIC, unveiled a new tool to combat the invasion of yellow-legged Asian hornets (AH) at our AGM.
Since then the company has launched a Crowdfunder campaign.
He described the ‘Nest Sweeper’ as a device that will help monitor the spread of the invasive insects:
“We've spent the last few years studying AH behaviour, including multiple research trips to Jersey, a hot-spot for AH activity, with the invaluable support of Alastair Christie BSc (Senior Scientific Officer for invasive species for the Government of Jersey).
“Our project involves the distribution of our 'Nest Sweeper' device, an enhanced Asian hornet bait station (EBS) coupled with a cutting-edge reporting app. We invite you to be a part of this vital effort to safeguard our ecosystems and bee populations.
“Unlike conventional bait stations, Nest Sweeper employs a vaporised dispersal method, allowing the hornet attractant to be carried on the wind. This innovative approach significantly increases the potential visitation of AH to the station, making it a game-changer for early detection and monitoring.”

The winner of this year’s most prestigious annual award for Somerset beekeepers is Lionel Horler from Castle Cary.
He received the West Country Honey Farms Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the craft from previous winner, Stewart Gould, at the county’s annual meeting.
Lionel, who has been keeping bees for nearly 50 years, led a team from the South East branch to set up an apiary at Hook Valley Solar Park on the outskirts of Wincanton.
What was once a muddy and disused corner of the site has been transformed into a thriving apiary accommodating 12 colonies and a building where members can meet. Opened in summer 2021, the apiary has already been used for training sessions and raising new colonies for those completing their beginners’ course. 
Lionel found national fame when he appeared alongside fellow Somerset resident Sarah Beeney collecting and hive a swarm for her tv series about living in the country.
As well as being an active swarm collector, he also heads the branch’s Asian hornet team and is actively recruiting more members and raising the profile of the threat the yellow-legged hornets pose to honey bees and pollinators.
Longstanding branch member Bob Jones added: “I have known Lionel since he first came to this area and found him unfailingly helpful, especially with those new to beekeeping, patient, and always ready to give freely of his time.
"Lionel is a lynch-pin in the bee tent at the Bath and West Show, runs the beginners' course year after year, and keeps himself forever available whenever there is cry for help from anyone in our beekeeping fraternity. I can think of no-one more deserving.”