Dear Members,

In beekeeping circles June is often referred to as the ’June Gap’. The gap referred to relates to the relative absence of forage at this time of the year as the Spring blossom and tree nectar and pollen has largely come to an end. 

On Friday 4th October a nest was destroyed following the confirmed sighting of an Asian hornet near Christchurch, Dorset after it was reported by a member of the public.

It is imperative that any Asian hornet colonies in the UK are detected and destroyed before queens are released.

Another interesting and at times difficult year for our bees, with an early start to the season soon followed very quickly for the need to feed due to lack forage, due again to unseasonal weather conditions through the spring and summer.  We are hoping that many of you will have a good honey yield and will be keen to show other members not only your Bees’ hard work but also yours. 

As beekeepers we are in a uniquely advantageous position to either trap or sight the Asian Hornet ‘Vespa Velutina’ and this is vital to preserve honeybees and other pollinating insects in the UK.

Asian hornets were initially brought to France in 2004, most likely in a shipment of pottery imported from east Asia. Since arriving in France, the species has spread rapidly and decimated pollinators, partiularly honeybees, in that country.