 The Chairman of Somerset Beekeepers’ Association, Stewart Gould, is urging beekeepers to keep local honey bees and reject a campaign to overturn the recent ban on bee imports.
“Locally bred bees are perfectly adapted for the conditions; imported bees carry the risk of pests and diseases and are genetically better suited to the country of origin,” he said. His comments follow media coverage of the new Brexit rules which have stopped the importation of honey bee colonies directly into the UK from the EU although queen bees are still allowed. HMRC is aware that there may be attempts to get around the import rules by using Northern Ireland as a back door but anti-avoidance measures are in place. “The importation ban is important and avoids the risk of bringing new problems to the UK’s bees. For example, bees in many areas of the country suffer from Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus which is associated with the importation of bees. And we are worried that the small hive beetle, which is in southern Italy, could come into the country and decimate our bees.” Somerset Beekeepers’ Association runs courses to help members to rear their own queen bees from successful colonies which ensures they are adapted to the conditions in their own area. Patrick Murfet from a beekeeping equipment company in Kent has started a petition calling on the government to reverse the new rules. The number of beekeepers continues to rise in the UK; membership of the British Beekeepers’ Association stands at more than 28,000 while Somerset’s is topping a record 1,200. Ends  Somerset beekeepers are calling on the public to pick up their smart phones and help defend the county’s bees against dangerous Asian hornets.
“See it, snap it and send it!” said Lynne Ingram, co-ordinator of Somerset’s Asian hornet action teams. “We need the public’s help to save our bees from the Asian hornet which has been wreaking havoc through Europe since 2004,” added Lynne, a beekeeper with 30 honeybee colonies near Bridgwater. Asian hornet week – September 7-13 – is a key time to spot the yellow-legged insects whose sting can be fatal and their arrival decimate native pollinators. “Now is the time to spot the hornets so that their nests can be destroyed before they multiply. “If you see a hornet take a photo, send it to us and we’ll do the rest. Or use the official Asian hornet watch app and report it.” An Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) is about twice the size of a honeybee, has an orange face and a dark abdomen with a yellow fourth segment. Its thorax is entirely dark brown or black and velvety, and the insect has bright yellow tips to its legs. “The arrival of the hornet in Britain is especially bad news for bees - a favourite food source - and a single hornet can completely devastate a beehive, devouring up to 60 at a time.” In the autumn Asian hornets can be spotted on flowering ivy, fallen fruit and hawking honeybees outside their hives as well as catching other pollinators. Asian hornets have been spotted in the UK and are rampant on the Channel Islands after they were accidentally introduced into southern France from China. The University of Exeter is carrying our research into the impact Asian hornets are having on honeybees and other pollinators where they have become established. Research Fellow and behavioural ecologist Dr Peter Kennedy said: “Asian hornets are anticipated to be a significant mortality factor influencing a broad spectrum of insects, including honeybees, on top of existing stressors (habitat loss, disease, pollution, climate change, etc.) that already impact our beleaguered native pollinator community. “Worldwide, invasive non-native species are recognised as being a serious threat to biodiversity, and it is consequently important that we encourage the public to be informed, vigilant and proactive in reporting the presence of Asian hornets and other invasive species.” Report sightings to asianhornet@somersetbeekeepers.org.uk or use the Asian hornet watch app. Photos, posters and even a colouring sheet to help identify the Asian hornet can be found on the Somerset Beekeepers’ website: https://www.somersetbeekeepers.org.uk/resources.html Ends  Asian hornet on a camellia Beekeepers across the South West are calling on the public to join their first Asian Hornet Spring Watch campaign over Easter.
The highly destructive Asian hornets (Vespa velutina Nigrithorax) start to emerge from hibernation in the next few weeks before building up their numbers in the summer. Somerset’s Asian hornet action team coordinator Lynne Ingram said they hoped people from across the county would take part: “Lockdown means that people will be spending more time in their gardens and on walks around their neighbourhood this Easter. “We would like people to look for Asian hornets on flowers such as camellias, trees that ooze sap and in sheltered spots like sheds and porches while keeping within government guidelines in relation to Covid-19.” Asian hornets have distinctive orange faces and yellow tipped legs and are smaller than the bright yellow striped European hornet. “If anyone sees an insect they think is an Asian hornet, check it out on the Asian Hornet Watch app which has an identification guide and lets you send in your sightings.” Beekeepers and conservationists hope to mobilise support from all over the region to prevent the destructive insects getting established in the UK where they will decimate populations of pollinating insects and honeybees. “Given the many pressures on our precious pollinators, including climate change, habitat destruction and pesticide use, it’s vital we do all we can to support them by reporting sightings,” she added. Somerset Beekeepers’ Association has many useful ID materials on its website including a children’s colouring-in sheet. https://www.somersetbeekeepers.org.uk/resources.html Asian hornets are a notifiable invasive species and should be reported immediately, preferably with a photo using:
Ends Notes to editors: Asian hornets (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) are slightly smaller than native European hornets and look like large black wasps with an orange face and yellow legs:
A single Asian hornet can kill 50 bees a day, with a nest containing up to 6,000 workers and up to 350 queens. In Jersey, France and large areas of Western Europe they are stripping the environment bare of insects before moving on to prey on managed honeybee colonies. Asian hornets are a notifiable invasive species and should be reported immediately with photo using:
 Beekeepers from across the South West are getting ready to tackle the imminent threat of deadly Asian hornets ahead of the coming season following a training day held in Somerset.
Organised by Somerset and Devon Beekeepers’ Associations on behalf of the South West Beekeepers’ Forum, 150 beekeepers have returned to their beekeeping associations armed with the latest techniques to combat the insects which could decimate honeybees and other pollinators. Somerset’s Asian hornet action team co-ordinator Lynne Ingram said: “We are on the Asian hornet front line here in the South West and this training day was a great opportunity to prepare ourselves for the season ahead. “Asian hornets don’t respect boundaries so it was important to start preparing to work together across the region. Although it was mainly beekeepers who attended the event, one of the key messages to get across is that Asian hornets are not just a problem for beekeepers. “We now know that these hornets build nests in garden hedges, bramble patches, in holes in the ground and also on buildings. We will be working hard to educate the public so that everyone can recognise a hornet and report a sighting. With thousands of people looking out for them, we have some chance of slowing the invasion.” The day-long programme included presentations about the latest research from Dr Peter Kennedy of the University of Exeter and Alastair Christie, Jersey’s Asian hornet coordinator, who shared his experience tracking the non-native hornets on the Channel Islands. SWBKF Chair Peter Darley commented: “I certainly learned a lot from some very good speakers and workshops and came away with a far clearer idea on how to proceed in our preparations to fend off the coming invasion…All of us can learn from Somerset's lead and, as a Forum, we are lucky to have them and their experience to show us the way.” Asian hornets (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) have distinctive orange faces, yellow tipped legs and are smaller than the bright yellow striped European hornet. They are a notifiable invasive species and sightings should be reported immediately:
Ends Photos were taken at the Asian hornet training event held at Bridgwater, Somerset. Notes to editors: Somerset Beekeepers’ Association (SBKA) is a Registered Charity run by volunteers and works to advance the craft of apiculture within its membership and to promote general awareness and understanding of honeybees. SBKA has given all its members monitoring traps and identification materials and the county is covered by 12 Asian hornet action teams which are trained to help with identification and to assist bee inspectors with verifying and tracking sightings. Asian hornets are active mainly between April and November (peak August to September) and are inactive over the winter.
 Somerset Beekeepers’ Association and Exmoor National Park Authority are today (September 4) calling on the public to be on the lookout for yellow-legged Asian hornets which pose a serious threat to honeybees and other pollinators.
Beekeepers, supported by Exmoor National Park staff, have been investigating an as yet unconfirmed sighting of the highly invasive Vespa velutina nigrithorax in the Minehead area. Asian Hornet Week runs from September 9 to 15 throughout the UK and coincides with a good opportunity to prevent the destructive insects getting a foothold. Anne Pike, chairman of SBKA, said: “Vigilance is a cornerstone of our defence strategy and we want to mobilise the county to be on the lookout throughout September and October to protect the environment we treasure so much.” Somerset Beekeepers have set up 12 Asian hornet action teams, which cover the county, to follow-up reported sightings and educate the public. Ali Hawkins, Exmoor National Park Wildlife Conservation Officer, said: “There is a real risk to our own native honeybee and European hornet if these alien species are allowed to take hold. Given the many pressures on our precious pollinators, including climate change, habitat destruction and pesticide use, it’s vital we do all we can to support them by reporting sightings. A good quality photo gives the best chance of tracking down the nest to prevent further invasions and Autumn represents the most likely time to see them on the wing.” People in both rural and urban environments are urged to check plants which are in flower and attracting insects in the coming weeks, such as ivy. Anne Pike added: “The difficulty of protecting the UK from Asian hornets is underlined by Jersey’s experience. The first Asian hornet was spotted on the island in 2016 and, in spite of the efforts of local beekeepers and volunteers, this year they have caught 69 queens, discovered 54 nests and are still looking for more.” The Asian hornet has a distinctive orange face and yellow tipped legs and is smaller than the bright yellow striped European hornet. Asian hornets are a notifiable invasive species and should be reported immediately, preferably with a photo using:
ends Anne Pike, Chairman of Somerset Beekeepers’ Association, tel: 07971 275840; email: chairman@somersetbeekeepers.org.uk Ailsa Stevens, Communications Officer, Exmoor National Park Authority, tel: 01398 322244, mob: 07772 092128, email: astevens@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk Pic cap: An Asian hornet foraging on ivy in Brittany. Photo credit: Stewart Gould, Somerset Beekeepers’ Association Notes to editors: Somerset Beekeepers’ Association is a Registered Charity run by volunteers and works to advance the craft of apiculture within its membership and to promote general awareness and understanding of honeybees. Asian hornets (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) are slightly smaller than native European hornets and look like large black wasps with orange face and yellow legs:
A single Asian hornet can kill 50 bees a day, with a nest containing up to 6,000 workers and up to 350 queens. In Jersey, France and large areas of Western Europe they are stripping the environment bare of insects before moving on to prey on managed honeybee colonies. Asian hornets are a notifiable invasive species and should be reported immediately with photo using:
About Exmoor National Park Authority - www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk First designated in 1954, Exmoor National Park has an amazing variety of landscapes within its 267 square miles – stunning coast, moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland and more than 800 miles of rights of way to enjoy. It is one of 15 National Parks in the United Kingdom and in 2011 was designated Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve. Exmoor National Park Authority works in partnership with the community, local councils, businesses and other organisations to look after the National Park and promote its conservation and enjoyment. Donations to CareMoor for Exmoor are gratefully received towards the upkeep of the National Park and its special qualities. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  The County Honey Show held at Taunton Flower Show attracted a record number of entries and hosted the Asian hornet roadshow for the first time.
Beekeepers from as far afield as Cornwall competed in classes for the best honeys, wax and other products from or inspired by beekeeping. Somerset Beekeepers’ Association Chairman Anne Pike said it was a standout show: “Entries were the highest they’ve been for years and visitors to the Bees and Honey feature were treated with the sight of many hundreds of jars of honey, honeycombs straight from the hive and beautiful artwork. “It is wonderful to see more people get involved in these competitions which showcase the beauty of local honey and wax and their skills as beekeepers.” The Blue Ribbon for the best exhibit in the show went to John Roberts from Falmouth for a magnificent cake of beeswax. Local trophy winners included Jenny and Sid Gammon from Taunton; Maggie North, Buckland St Mary; David Pearce, Bathealton near Wiveliscombe; Mary Adams, Bishops Lydeard; Alan Nelson, Bilbrook; and Rob Fox, Minehead. Thousands of visitors to the two-day show held at Vivary Park pledged to look out for Asian hornets to protect honeybees and other pollinators. Beekeepers explained how to identify the hornets, which are sweeping across parts of Europe, including the Channel Islands, and causing the loss of many millions of bees and insects. Master Beekeeper Lynne Ingram, who leads the county’s Asian Hornet Action Team, said: “The greatest resource we have in fighting the Asian (yellow legged) hornet are members of the public. We hope the banners, leaflets and pinned specimens will help visitors to be aware of an insect which could wreak havoc on our environment if it gets a foothold in this country.” Results – Taunton Awards: The Taunton Perpetual Challenge Trophy: SJ & JA Gammon The Priscott Perpetual Skep: M. North The Stoker Perpetual Silver Trophy: SJ & JA Gammon The Pat Barter Silver Trophy: J. Roberts The W .Elmsall Perpetual Observation Hive Trophy: Taunton and District Beekeepers The Andy Coles Memorial Trophy for Mead: M. Adams The Tom Tucker Trophy for Cookery: R. Fox The Downes Perpetual Cup: R.Fox The Gammon Perpetual Trophy: B. Muckett The Taunton Honey Show plate: D. Pearce The Taunton Honey Show Perpetual Trophy: D. Pearce The Sally Bennett Trophy: M. North The John Spiller Mascot: D. Pearce County Cups: Jubilee Cup: J. Roberts Miss M.D Bindley Cup: A. Nelson Terry Arnold Perpetual Challenge Trophy: R. Fox The Duffin Challenge Trophy: J. Roberts The Clifford Langford Award for Mead: M. Adams The Blue Ribbon for the best exhibit in Show in the judges’ opinion: J. Roberts To find out more visit Somerset Beekeepers’ website: www.somersetbeekeepers.org.uk Ends Photo caps: John Roberts from Falmouth won the Blue Ribbon for the best exhibit in the show; Jenny Gammon from Taunton was awarded two trophies. For further information contact: Anne Pike, Chairman of Somerset Beekeepers’ Association, tel: 07971 275840; Lynne Ingram, Co-ordinator of Somerset’s Asian Hornet Action Team, tel: 07846 165877 Notes to editors: Somerset Beekeepers’ Association is a Registered Charity run by volunteers and works to advance the craft of apiculture within its membership and to promote general awareness and understanding of honeybees. The County Honey Show is open to all full members of SBKA and county associations in the UK. Asian hornets (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) are slightly smaller than native European hornets and look like large black wasps with orange face and yellow legs:
A single Asian hornet can kill 50 bees a day, with a nest containing up to 6,000 workers and up to 350 queens. In Jersey, France and large areas of Western Europe they are stripping the environment bare of insects before moving on to prey on managed honeybee colonies. Asian hornets are a notifiable invasive species and should be reported immediately with photo using: Asian Hornet Watch app asianhornet@somersetbeekeepers.org.uk alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk  On-site preparations for the Bath & West start four days before the show opens. Somerset Beekeepers’ Association is calling on visitors to the Royal Bath & West Show, which starts tomorrow (May 30) at Shepton Mallet, to be on the alert for a major threat to the UK’s pollinators.
For the first time they are running an interactive exhibit about the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) in the Show’s popular Bees & Honey Feature. Association chairman Anne Pike said: “We want gardeners, farmers, walkers and all countryside-lovers, as well as beekeepers, to be on high alert for the imminent arrival of Asian hornets. “These hornets look like black wasps with yellow tipped legs and are as devastating to pollinators as foot and mouth disease was to livestock. “In France, where Asian hornets arrived in 2004, honey production is down by 50 per cent reflecting the impact these non-native and highly invasive insects are having on honeybee numbers.” Members of the newly-formed Asian Hornet Action Team will be on hand to talk to visitors about the hornet and explain how to correctly identify them. In addition to large information banners, there will be glass cases displaying Asian hornets next to European hornets and honeybees, identification leaflets to take away and children’s colouring-in sheets. Master Beekeeper Lynne Ingram, who heads up the Action Team, added “The greatest resource we have in fighting the Asian (yellow legged) hornet are members of the public. They are our eyes. Come into the tent and find out what an Asian hornet looks like. This time of year, look out for tiny embryo nests in sheds or garages. If you wait you will see the queen returning to feed her larvae. In June the workers will emerge and you may find them drinking nectar on flowers. If you see one, take a photo and report it on the Asian Hornet Watch app or contact asianhornet@somersetbeekeepers.org for further advice.” In addition, Somerset Beekeepers will be demonstrating the invaluable role honeybees play in the pollination of the nation’s best-loved food crops including apples and strawberries. Somerset members, together with beekeepers from Avon and Wiltshire, will be taking part in a highly competitive honey show, will run candle rolling for children, offer free honey tasting and advice about all aspects of beekeeping. In addition, visitors will have plenty of opportunities to see honeybees at work in observation hives, where bees are behind glass, and in the outdoor bee garden where beekeepers will demonstrate behind protective netting. To find out more visit Somerset Beekeepers’ website: https://www.somersetbeekeepers.org.uk/ Ends For further information contact: Anne Pike, Chairman of Somerset Beekeepers’ Association, tel: 07971 275840; Lynne Ingram, Co-ordinator of Somerset’s Asian Hornet Action Team, tel: 07846 165877 Notes to editors: Somerset Beekeepers’ Association is a Registered Charity run by volunteers and works to advance the craft of apiculture within its membership and to promote general awareness and understanding of honeybees. Asian hornets (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) are slightly smaller than native European hornets and look like large black wasps with orange face and yellow legs:
A single Asian hornet can kill 50 bees a day, with a nest containing up to 6,000 workers and up to 350 queens. In Jersey, France and large areas of Western Europe they are stripping the environment bare of insects before moving on to prey on managed honeybee colonies. Asian hornets are a notifiable invasive species and should be reported immediately with photo using: Asian Hornet Watch app asianhornet@somersetbeekeepers.org.uk alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk  One of the most active Asian hornet tracking beekeepers in Jersey is warning the South West to be vigilant if it is to avoid being overrun by the highly destructive insect.
Bob Hogge, a former President of the Jersey Beekeepers’ Association, will be sharing his experience with Taunton Beekeepers on Thursday, March 28. “You can’t avoid them coming,” he said. “The area of this country is too great to be able to spot every single nest and destroy it. But what you can do is get everyone aware of what this hornet looks like and report it, ideally with a photo when they find it.” Asian hornets look like large black wasps with yellow legs and an orange face. Any sightings should be reported immediately to the Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS): alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk Somerset Beekeepers’ Association has set up an Asian hornet action team to help the public and beekeepers respond to sightings and to support the National Bee Unit to find nests. Team members include beekeepers that spent part of last summer in Jersey with Bob tracking hornets. “I was very impressed with everyone who came over. They saved our bacon, they really did. We were starting to be overrun and the day before they arrived three reports came in of hornets and then UK beekeepers arrived and joined us.” Lynne Ingram, Somerset Asian Hornet Action Team Coordinator, added: “I was really fortunate to be able to go to Jersey to help with the fight against Asian Hornets last summer, and learnt a huge amount. Now we have to be prepared ourselves, and have set up our own team of hornet hunters in Somerset. Team members will help members of the public with the identification and reporting of Asian hornets, and with raising public awareness.” “Asian hornets are a major threat to biodiversity, honey industry and food production of Britain, as they prey on bees and other insects. A nest can house up to 6,000 hornets and 350 queens – each capable of establishing its own colony – and a single insect can kill 50 pollinators in one day.” Jersey was the first British island to be populated by the Asian hornet: the first non-native insect was spotted in 2016 and last year more than 50 nests were destroyed. Last month an over-wintering queen, which can found a huge nest, was spotted and there are fears that more nests will be discovered this year. Last year two Asian hornet nests were destroyed in Fowey, Cornwall, and a further two in Hampshire. To find out more about Asian hornets visit Somerset Beekeepers’ website: https://www.somersetbeekeepers.org.uk/ Ends Photo: Bob Hogge with Asian hornet nests discovered on Jersey. Notes to editors: Somerset Beekeepers’ Association is a Registered Charity run by volunteers and works to advance the craft of apiculture within its membership and to promote general awareness and understanding of honeybees. https://www.somersetbeekeepers.org.uk/ Photos of Asian hornets (and beekeeping) are available to download from: https://www.somersetbeekeepers.org.uk/image-gallery.html
 Beekeepers from all over the South West will be converging on a village hall near Taunton on Sunday, March 24 for an auction of beekeeping equipment.
The popular sale, run by Taunton Beekeepers at Ruishton Village Hall, is expected to be packed with second-hand equipment in good time for the coming season. Bidders will be looking for bargains among a miscellany of second hand hives, smokers and honey extraction equipment. Chris Harries, President of Taunton Beekeepers, will be wielding the gavel for the 35th year running and urged beekeepers to make sure they were well prepared for the coming season. “Bees don’t wait for anybody!” said Chris who has hundreds of hives. “This is the last opportunity in the season to get ahead of the bees and beekeepers should have their equipment ready to go if they’re going to be able to cope once the bees ‘wake up’.” Beekeeping involves a considerable amount of equipment: each honeybee colony requires a complete hive which is made up of a roof, crown board, up to three or more (honey) super boxes, a queen excluder (so the queen doesn’t lay eggs in the honey), a brood box and floor. In addition a beekeeper needs protective clothing, hive tools, a smoker, a feeder to provide bees with sugar syrup if needed in the winter, a good reference book, honey extraction equipment and among many other items of paraphernalia. Chris, who runs Sedgemoor Honey, added: “We always get a good selection of equipment and someone just taking up the craft could quite easily get started and save money. A new national hive costs around £300 but most years there are some quite reasonable second-hand ones which fetch £100 or less. Bidders need to remember to thoroughly clean any equipment to prevent the spread of diseases.” Items for the auction will be received at the village hall from 10am to 1.30pm and the sale gets underway at 2pm. Proceeds from the auction will support Taunton Beekeepers’ packed programme of educational courses and lectures held at its teaching apiary near Bradford-on-Tone, Taunton. ends |
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