Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UK's native honey bee? 

Apis Mellifera, Mellifera is widely considered to be the United Kingdoms native honey bee. The dark ( or black) European honey bee has been in the UK since the last last ice age ended – approximately 11,700 years ago! 

We also help to protect our other native species!

Why are they in decline?  

Varroa mites are prolific in the UK. The Varroa mite can only reproduce in a honey bee colony. It attaches to the body of the bee and weakens the bee by sucking fat bodies. The disease caused by the mites is called varroosis and can wipe out whole colonies, and colonies situated close together. 

 Weather – Over wintering is also causing a decline and colonies are struggling to recuperate. 

Pesticides and Insecticides – Although regulation changes have helped – the misuse of these products has widespread implications including deformities and colony death.   

Education – Lack of public awareness into the importance of bees in our eco system. 

What has been done so far to try and stop this decline? 

Leading scientists and associations are working on a cure for the varroa mite infestations. Known bee damaging insecticides and pesticides are slowly being outlawed, Education is an ongoing challenge and of course The Great British Bee Project rolling out a nationwide bee breeding programme – For all bees. 

I have Bees on my property as a swarm – what do I do? 

Please contact us and we will gladly try to help 

I want to get involved – how can I help? 

Their are many ways to be involved with our project – contact us to go through the options! 

Is it just Honey Bees that the project protects? 

No! The project will always try to relocate and help all our bee species – The management of the different species is not as intensive as our honey bee – for example It could be simply relocating a bird box which bumble bees have decided to make a home in at your property, to our bee sanctuary woodland.