 A capped comb of honey ready for extraction This year has been a much a better year for honey bees, according to Somerset Beekeepers’ Association.
Most of the county’s 850 beekeeper-members had a good harvest and are going into the winter with more colonies of honeybees. Anne Pike, Chairman of SBKA, said: “Generally, this season has been a good year for Somerset beekeepers with honey harvests recovering and the creation of more honeybee colonies going into the winter. “The average harvest is a very healthy 35-40 lb per colony while a very few beekeepers had a truly fabulous season with between 150 and 200 lb per colony. “However, it was a rather hit or miss affair as the size of the harvest depends not only on good temperatures and fine weather, but also on lots of nectar producing plants. Some plants were adversely affected by the hard winter and heatwave summer while others including oilseed rape, field beans, blackberries and tree blossom thrived. “Beekeepers appreciate the help of local gardeners in planting bee-friendly blooms – apparently spring-germinated borage tops the polls as the bees’ favourite flower – and farmers who have created wildlife friendly field margins and traditional hedges. “This week the bees should be continuing to forage on autumn flowering plants like ivy and this is a key time to look out for their hugely destructive predator the Asian hornets. These hornets, dubbed large black wasps, prey on foraging honeybees and, where they get established, decimate the insect population. “The Asian hornet has a distinctive orange face and yellow tipped legs. Any sightings should be reported immediately, preferably with a photo, to the Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS)." http://www.nonnativespecies.org Local honey supplied by SBKA members is available in many independent shops and at local markets. Ends  People in Somerset are urged to join the fight to save honeybees and other pollinators and take part in the UK's first Asian hornet week on September 10-16.
Somerset Beekeepers’ Association Chairman Anne Pike said: “We need beekeepers, gardeners, walkers and everyone in Somerset to be on the lookout for this highly destructive insect. “Asian hornets are wreaking havoc in France and the Channel Islands and we fear that if they get a foot-hold in the UK, our honeybees and many other insects will be decimated here, too. This week is timed to coincide with the last chance this year to prevent the emergence of new Asian hornet queens.” Lynne Ingram, a Master Beekeeper from East Huntspill, has spent the last 10 days tracking Asian hornets in Jersey where, in the space of less than two years, they have spread across the island. “In Jersey it is proving very challenging to find all the nests as they are very well camouflaged. Thirty four nests have been found so far this year, but there is a constant stream of new sightings every day. The team are working flat out, but the sheer number of sightings is overwhelming, even with the assistance of UK beekeepers and a team from Exeter University. Whilst it had been believed that hornets nested high in trees, they have also been found in hedges and at ground level in a bramble patch. These low level nests are more of a public safety issue, especially as people tidy their gardens and cut their hedges at this time of year. “It is crucial that we are all vigilant – and that any nests are found. One missed nest means lots more next year. Many people enjoy working in their gardens, so are ideally placed to spot them. Asian hornets often collect nectar from ivy and autumn flowering camellias, where they will also hawk for bees and wasps, catching them in mid air. Asian hornets are easy to spot – they are large and appear mainly black in the air. When they land, the distinctive single orange stripe across the abdomen is very obvious. They are docile when on a flower – it is only when a nest is disturbed that they become aggressive. If you see one take a photo or vide, and report to the Non Native Species Secretariat.” The Asian hornet has a distinctive orange face and yellow tipped legs. Any sightings should be reported immediately, with a photo or video, to the Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk Ends Notes to editors: PHOTO CALL: YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT ONE OF THE UK’S SENTINEL APIARIES WHICH MONITORS FOR ASIAN HORNETS FOR THE LAUNCH OF ASIAN HORNET WEEK (Sept 10-16). WHEN: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 AT 11AM WHERE: TAUNTON BEEKEEPERS’ APIARY IS LOCATED AT HEATHERTON PARK NR BRADFORD ON TONE, TAUNTON TA4 1EU (LOCATED ON THE A38 BETWEEN TAUNTON AND WELLINGTON OPPOSITE THE WORLD’S END PUB) Somerset Beekeepers’ Association is made up of 12 divisions and works to advance the craft of apiculture within its membership and to promote general awareness and understanding of honeybees
 Master beekeeper Lynne Ingram in her apiary. Photo credit: Little Silver Photography Master beekeeper Lynne Ingram from Somerset is working with scientists from Exeter University and Jersey beekeepers this week in the fight against deadly Asian hornets which are wreaking havoc on honeybees in the Channel Isles.
Lynne, from East Huntspill, is part of a team using ground-breaking radio telemetry to track the deadly and invasive Asian hornets back to their nests where they can be destroyed. “This trip is an opportunity to observe Asian hornets at first hand so when they are found here I can provide support to local beekeepers,” said Lynne. “Asian hornets are a massive threat to our honeybees and other pollinators and if they get established here could have a massive impact on our insect population.” The first Asian hornet was spotted in Jersey two years ago and they have spread so rapidly that last week alone they destroyed seven honeybee colonies. In France the first Asian hornet was spotted in 2004 and so far this year thousands of nests have been removed. “Asian hornets would cause irreparable damage to our environment by decimating pollinators which are responsible for one in three mouthfuls of the food we eat.” The UK’s first Asian hornet week will be held on September 10-16 and is timed to coincide with the last chance to prevent the emergence of new Asian hornet queens. The public is urged to join beekeepers to look for the non-native and highly invasive insect and report any sightings, preferably with a photo, to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk Asian hornets are slightly smaller than native European hornets, have a distinctive black/dark brown thorax; brown abdominal segments with the fourth segment almost entirely yellow-orange, brown legs with yellow ends, a black head and an orange-yellow face. Ends Note to editors: Somerset Beekeepers’ Association is made up of 12 divisions and works to advance the craft of apiculture within its membership and to promote general awareness and understanding of honeybees.  The Somerset equivalent of the Olympic Games for beekeepers attracted a record number of entries at this year’s County and Taunton Division honey shows held at Taunton Flower Show on Friday and Saturday (August 3 and 4).
Axbridge beekeepers Christine and Mark Guillick were awarded the blue ribbon for the best exhibit in show for their exceptional cake of wax. Christine said: “Winning this trophy is wonderful - especially as it was awarded on my birthday! It’s great to get recognition from the judges and makes me feel better about all the work that goes into looking after the bees and preparing the entries for the Show.” Taunton beekeepers Jenny and Sid Gammon were presented with three trophies including the Taunton Perpetual Challenge Trophy awarded to the local member to gain the most points. Show success was particular poignantly for the couple who have decided to give up beekeeping after 33 years. Jenny said: “We’re giving up the bees but I have plenty of honey and wax ready to enter the show again next year.” Taunton Division chair Peter Maben said the two-day show had attracted many thousands of visitors and 15 per cent more exhibits than usual from all over the county. “It seems that everyone is talking about bees!” he said. “There’s so much interest in the health and welfare of bees and pollinators generally that our marquee was literally buzzing with people talking to us about honey bees.” Amongst the beekeepers there was optimism about the coming harvest. Anne Pike, Chairman of Somerset Beekeepers, said: “Our honeybees are making the most of this year’s hot weather and are packing their hives with fragrant honey made from nearby flowers. “The heat and sunshine is giving us a delicious and substantial crop, which is just what we need after several very poor years.” Taunton Division is running a taster day next month for anyone interested in finding out more about keeping bees which includes a talk as well as chance to put on a bee suit and take a look inside a hive. The taster day costs £25.00 per person and takes place at 2.30pm on Saturday, September 8 at Heatherton Park apiary near Bradford-on-Tone. To book a place, priced £25.00, contact: Julie Husband at tauntonbeginners@somersetbeekeepers.org.uk or call/text on 07867 782435. Also, taster days will be run by other SBKA divisions www.somersetbeekeepers.org.uk 2018 Somerset Honey Show results: The Blue Ribbon for the best exhibit in Show – Christine & Mark Guillick Taunton – trophies, cups & awards: The Taunton Perpetual Challenge Trophy - Sid & Jenny Gammon The Priscott Perpetual Skep Plate - David Pearce The Stoker Perpetual Trophy - Sid & Jenny Gammon The Pat Barter Trophy - Sid & Jenny Gammon The Andy Coles Memorial Trophy for Mead – jointly to Mary Adams and Graham Welfare The Tom Tucker Trophy for Cookery – Mary Adams The Downes Perpetual Cup – jointly to Lyndsay Stone and Graham Welfare The Gammon Perpetual Trophy – Mike Shaw The Taunton Honey Show Plate – Maggie North The Taunton Honey Show Perpetual Trophy - David Pearce The John Spiller Mascot – Anne Pike Somerset County Cups: Jubilee Cup – David Pearce Miss M.D Bindley Cup – David Pearce Terry Arnold Perpetual Challenge Trophy – Mary Adams The Duffin Challenge Trophy – Christine & Mark Guillick The Clifford Langford Award for Mead – jointly to Mary Adams and Graham Welfare Ends  Mary Greagh, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, responding to Anne Pike, Chairman of Somerset Beekeepers. Photo credit: James Hopkirk, Evidence Week in Parliament, June 2018 Somerset Beekeepers’ Association (SBKA) raised awareness of the threat to pollinators from Asian hornets by addressing the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee on Monday (June 25).
SBKA chairman Anne Pike spoke to MPs as part of the first Evidence Week run by campaigning charity Sense about Science which seeks to promote evidence-based policy making. “Asian hornets pose a very real threat to honeybees in the UK and I am delighted that we were given this opportunity to highlight how our approach is guided by the latest scientific research,” she said. Speaking in response Mary Greagh, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, gave a personal assurance that her Committee would keep across the Asian hornet issue. “Part of what I want the committee to be looking at is how we watch out for Asian hornets, that invasive species which is coming into our country and potentially wiping out populations of bees.” She admired the passion people have for honeybees and described them as ‘these magical creatures that wonder around our gardens doing this incredibly important, but mostly, invisible work’. The yellow-legged Vespa velutina is colonising parts of Europe, killing honeybees and other insects. Although instances of Asian hornets in the UK have only been recorded on a few occasions in the last two years, beekeepers and environmentalists fear numbers will inevitably increase. Anne added: “As a result we have developed links with Exeter University, who are conducting research in Europe where the Asian hornet has become widespread. Based on their findings, we have chosen to take a ‘recognition and reporting’ approach.” Sightings reported to the Non-Native Species Secretariat trigger the deployment of bee inspectors who track the hornets back to their nests and destroy them. Anne Pike was one of 28 speakers from national and regional community groups which took part in a week of briefings and events to remind MPs and peers that reliable evidence matters in many walks of life. “In the case of beekeepers, evidence matters to us because it has allowed us to be prepared and identify the best strategies to protect our bees,” she said. Asian hornets are most active between April and November (peaking in August/September). Somerset Beekeepers has published an identification guide on their website along with how to report sightings. www.somersetbeekeepers.org.uk Ends For further information contact: Anne Pike, SBKA Chairman, on 07971 275840 About Somerset Beekeepers’ Association (SBKA):
 Somerset Beekeepers’ Association (SBKA) will raise awareness of Asian hornets at the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee on Monday (June 25).
SBKA chairman Anne Pike will address MPs as part of the first Evidence Week run by campaigning charity Sense about Science which seeks to promote evidence-based policy making. “Asian hornets pose a very real threat to honeybees in the UK and I am delighted that we have been given this opportunity to highlight how our approach is guided by the latest scientific research,” she said. The yellow-legged Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is a non-native species which is colonising parts of Europe, killing honeybees and other insects. Although instances of Asian hornets in the UK have only been recorded on a few occasions in the last two years, beekeepers and environmentalists fear numbers will inevitably increase. “As a result we have developed links with Exeter University, who are conducting research in Europe where the Asian hornet has become widespread. Based on their findings, we have chosen to take a ‘recognition and reporting’ approach,” she added. Sightings reported to the Non-Native Species Secretariat trigger the deployment of bee inspectors who track the hornets back to their nests and destroy them. Anne Pike is one of two dozen speakers from national and regional community groups taking part in a week of briefings and events to remind MPs and peers that reliable evidence matters in many walks of life. “In the case of beekeepers, evidence matters to us because it has allowed us to be prepared and identify the best strategies to protect our bees,” she said. Asian hornets are most active between April and November (peaking in August/September). Somerset Beekeepers has published an identification guide on their website along with how to report sightings. www.somersetbeekeepers.org.uk Ends Pix caps: SBKA Chairman Anne Pike
 Chris Harries presiding over Taunton Division's equipment auction Beekeepers from across the South West started the season at an equipment auction held in Taunton on Sunday (March 25).
Eager to get prepared and grab a bargain, they bid for more than 120 lots during a two-hour sale run by Taunton Beekeepers. Auctioneer Chris Harries, in his 32nd year presiding on the podium, said: “At this time of the year beekeepers are getting ready for the coming season. “There was some strong interest in complete hives and we sold scores of hive parts and useful equipment,” he said. The lots were varied and included top bar hives, equipment to extract and bottle honey, decorative honey pots, protective suits, back copies of beekeeping magazines and an observation hive. Peter Maben, Chair of Taunton Beekeepers, commented: "Once again, our annual auction was extremely well supported by buyers, sellers and a great team of volunteers led by our auctioneer Chris.” The auction raised hundreds of pounds for Taunton Beekeepers to spend on educational activities for its members and to promote beekeeping at local schools and events. ends Notes to editors:
 The winner of Somerset Beekeepers’ most prestigious honour – the West Country Honey Farms Award – has been presented to Bridget Knutson from Cheddar.
Her outstanding contribution to the craft was recognised by fellow beekeepers at their annual meeting held at Wedmore on Saturday (March 10). Judging panel chairman Milns Priscott said in his citation that she was an active member of the beekeeping community at both local and national level. “Bridget has demonstrated her ability as a beekeeper to a very high standard. She has set new bench marks for the quality of her exhibits at honey shows and has always been generous with her support to help beekeepers to extend their knowledge,” he said. She is Chair of the Wedmore and Cheddar Division, manages the visual aid library for the British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) and teaches and mentors on local beginners, improvers and specialist courses. “If Bridget did not exist, we would have to invent her! The quantity, quality and level of contribution to beekeeping in Somerset is outstanding, and an example to us all,” he added. Also, she is Somerset Beekeepers’ yearbook editor and exams secretary and has passed all BBKA theory modules and practical exams putting her one step away from becoming a master beekeeper. Somerset Beekeepers’ Association works to advance the craft of apiculture within its membership and to promote general awareness and understanding of honeybees. For more visit www.somersetbeekeepers.org.uk Ends Pic cap: Bridget Knutson with the West Country Honey Farms Award rose bowl.  Asian hornet experts briefed the South West Beekeepers’ Forum and posed outside the venue with an outsize model of the invasive insect. Pictured are, from left to right, Dr Pete Kennedy, a research fellow at the University of Exeter; North Devon beekeeper Martyn Hocking, who discovered Asian hornets in his apiary last year; South West Beekeepers’ Forum Chairman Peter Darley; beekeeper Bob Hogge from Jersey where Asian hornets established within a year. Beekeepers in the South West are being urged to prepare for more sightings of the latest threat to honeybees and pollinators – the highly destructive Asian hornet.
Experts have been briefing the South West Beekeepers’ Forum (SWBKF), which represents around 10,000 beekeepers. Latest research shows the speed with which Asian hornets are spreading in Europe destroying honeybee colonies and putting a critical strain on other insects vital to local ecosystems. Dr Pete Kennedy, a research fellow at the University of Exeter, warned that in 10 years Asian hornets could be widespread throughout the South West and Wales if left unchecked; in 20 years most of England would be affected. He presented the latest findings from a government-funded project which attached specially-designed tags to hornets in Jersey and France to test tracking systems. These techniques are used to track hornets back to their nests so professional teams can quickly dispose of them. SWBKF Chairman Peter Darley, from Poole, said: “The Asian hornet is the next big test of British bees and beekeepers.” He urged beekeepers, wildlife groups and the public to all play their part in detecting the insect and reporting it to the Great Britain Non-Native Species Secretariat. “One of the difficulties with the Asian hornet is that it can be imported anywhere in the country on transport from France and Spain and that’s what we have to be so careful about.” He called on lorry drivers and cross Channel ferry passengers to carefully check their vehicles in the summer in case they were unwittingly returning to the UK with an Asian hornet. Jersey beekeeper Bob Hogge described how the invasive insect arrived on the island two years ago and had spread rapidly. Beekeepers were working with the Channel Islands’ government to hunt down and eradicate nests and were developing new tracking techniques. The most recent sighting in the UK was in Woolacombe, Devon, by beekeeper Martyn Hocking, who described the shock of making “a most unexpected and unwelcome discovery”. “As a result of what happened in my apiary, I would like to see beekeeper action teams set up to investigate possible sightings and support individual beekeepers,” he said. South West Regional Bee Inspector, Simon Jones, said rapid reporting could make all the difference between eradication and widespread establishment and encouraged all beekeepers to know how to spot the insect. Asian hornets are slightly smaller than native hornets, have a distinctive black/dark brown thorax; brown abdominal segments with the fourth segment almost entirely yellow-orange, brown legs with yellow ends, a black head and an orange-yellow face. Beekeeping associations in the South West are drawing up ‘battle plans’ ahead of the coming season. Ends  Somerset beekeeper Milns Priscott receives a BBKA certificate to mark 60 years as a beekeeper from Ken Tredgett, President of Somerset Beekeepers’ Association. Somerset beekeeper Milns Priscott’s 60-year membership of the British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) has been recognised with a presentation in front of nearly 200 beekeepers on Saturday (February 17).
He received congratulations and a commemorative certificate from Ken Tredgett, President of Somerset Beekeepers’ Association (SBKA), at a lecture day held in Somerton on Saturday (Feb 17). Afterwards Milns said he enjoyed beekeeping as much today as when he took up the craft and had no plans for retirement. “I bee-keep with two friends and I really enjoy the commradie,” he said. “There may be more problems now than when I started, but I have no plans to stop!” he said. Milns, from Milverton, has been Taunton division Chairman and President and Somerset’s Vice Chairman. He has given many beekeeping talks and demonstrations across the county and has been a very successful competitor at honey shows. Over the years the challenges facing honeybees have increased as environmental pressures reduce forage and invasive species such as the varroa mite have made bees more susceptible to disease. This coming season beekeepers in the South West are on high alert for sightings of the invasive Asian hornet which wreaks destruction on honeybees and other pollinators. Ends |
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