Scottish Beekeepers' Association Supporting Scotland's Bees and Beekeepers |
A new ten year strategy has been launched to make Scotland a more pollinator friendly place by protecting indigenous bee and butterfly populations. Speaking at The Hidden Gardens in Glasgow, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said:
“Scotland’s biodiversity is one of our key assets, and the contribution the humble bumble bee and other pollinators make to this wonderful environment should not be underestimated. That is why we are committed to making Scotland a more pollinator friendly place.
“Pressures like land use change, pesticides, pollution, disease and climate change are threatening these life-giving insects, so we must act now to protect the pollinators and in turn safeguard our environment, our food and in turn our health.”
Scottish Natural Heritage has led the development of the Pollinator Strategy working closely with a range of environmental and land management organisations.
SNH chairman Mike Cantlay said: “Growing evidence shows our native bees and insects that carry out pollination are facing tough times. Pollination is crucial for our environment - and, therefore, our own health, wealth and wellbeing. This strategy, a key part of the Scottish Biodiversity 2020 route map, sets out what needs to be done to ensure these bees and insects survive and thrive for generations to come, contributing to healthy ecosystems and landscapes in our country. We look forward to continuing this important work with our partners to strengthen the resilience of our native pollinator species.”
THE GOOD OF THE HIVE IS COMING TO SCOTLAND IN AUGUST!!!
WE NEED OPTIONS FOR HONEYBEE MURAL SITES SOON!
To suggest a wall or area near you please complete the following and email by the 30th June 2017 (email to development@scottishbeekeepers.org.uk) along with a good picture of the area. The final area will be chosen in July 2017. The area should be in a busy place, with good footfall and passing traffic, and permissions to paint the area must be in place by the beginning of August17.
Click here to download The Good of the Hive Nomination Form.
Should you have any questions please contact Michelle Berry, Development Officer, Scottish Beekeepers Association on email (as above) or mobile 0793 121 1897. Thank you.
Click here to find out more about The Good of the Hive Initiative and see some of Matt's work.
The nation’s smartphones are the latest weapon in the fight to prevent the spread of the Asian hornet, thanks to a new app which has been launched today.
People will be able to use the free app - called Asian Hornet Watch - to quickly and easily report possible sightings of the invasive species and send pictures of suspect insects to experts at the National Bee Unit.
While Asian hornets pose no greater risk to human health than a bee, they are a threat to our native honey bees, which is why it is important to quickly contain them.
By using the eyes and ears of smartphone users, we can more quickly identify any Asian hornet nests in the UK and eradicate them before they have the opportunity to spread.
The ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ app is available to download from the Apple and Android app stores.
The Great Britain Non-native Species Secretariat is a joint venture between Defra, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government to tackle the threat of invasive species.
More information can be found on their website http://www.nonnativespecies.org/home/index.cfm
Members of the public can also report sightings by email to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk with a photo or on the Non-native Species Secretariat website.
For details on the appearance of an Asian hornet please can be found on Bee Base guide or the non-native species identification guide.
Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina)
17 March 2017 update:
SG today confirmed that a single Asian Hornet, Vespa velutina had been identified at a retail warehouse in the central belt of Scotland. The Asian Hornet is a non-native species and a serious predator of honey bees and other pollinators which has recently become established in Europe. There are no more public health risks associated with Asian hornets than with other bees or wasps.
Asian hornets were first identified in the GB during autumn 2016, that outbreak was dealt with and no further reports have been confirmed since. It is not possible to identify the origin of this individual and no further sightings have been made, however for surveillance purposes SG has placed Asian Hornet traps in the area and alerted the pest control industry and beekeepers to be vigilant for this species
http://www.gov.scot/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/animal-welfare/bee/News/AsianHornet