The UK government has given emergency approval for the use of a pesticide banned because of the harm it can cause bees, for the fourth year in a row.
Permission to use the neonicotinoid on sugar beet seeds has been needed despite a vow by the industry to find an alternative by the end of 2023.
The Wildlife Trusts said the decision was a “deathblow” for wildlife.
See BBC report for further details!
Just to advise beekeepers everywhere to check their bees for stores (especially nucs), particularly if you didn’t give yours a full winter feed at the end of last season.
So give your hives a heft and if needed, give them some fondant or candy (not liquid feed!) and recheck regularly!
This is also a good time to treat for Varroa while brood numbers are low.
This is to update you on Asian Hornet sightings in GB this year. So far in 2023 there have been 43 Asian hornet nests found in 36 locations – the majority of which are in Kent. More information, rolling updates and information on previous sightings can be found on the website of the National Bee Unit.
We would be grateful for your support in helping to raise awareness and encourage reporting of any further sightings. Alert posters and ID sheets are available to help, please see the Asian hornet alert page for details.
Any suspected sightings should ideally be reported with a photograph via the Asian hornet watch app or the online reporting form. For more details on identification and reporting please visit the Asian hornet alert page.
GB Non-Native Species Secretariat
Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA)
Sand Hutton
York
YO41 1LZ
Pembrokeshire Beekeepers' Association 