Colonies of bees are dying at greater rates than normal worldwide.
The causes of many of the deaths are unknown, but may be related to the overuse of pesticides and insecticides.
Other causes of the deaths may be viruses, possibly transmitted by mites such as varroa.
Without honeybees many fruit and vegetable crops will suffer from poor pollination and therefore poor crops, causing not only hunger but poverty in the developing world.
Importing bees from elsewhere is probably unwise, as diseases and mites can be bought in unknowingly.
Bees from other climates may not be suited to our weather.
It is vital to preserve biodiversity for long term species survival.

As some of you may be aware, a number of beekeepers from the New Forest Beekeepers Association have decided to try to set up a bee-breeding centre, to breed queen bees from their strongest colonies. This does not just mean those that produce most honey, but also those that have survived both the poor weather and varroa with the least assistance (or interference!) from us beekeepers. This will help to preserve the strains of bee that do well locally.

The aim is to be able to supply local beekeepers with queen bees bred from local stock at minimal cost. This should greatly reduce the need to import queen bees from abroad, or even elsewhere in the UK, and thus considerably reduce the risk of spreading disease.

In order to start this project we need an area of land, ideally 5-6 acres, something like an old gravel pit would be ideal. A large area is needed to ensure that the bees are not disturbed unnecessarily, as we will eventually keep a number of colonies of bees permanently on site. We need vehicular access, for those with mobility problems, and because beehives are both heavy and awkward to carry – especially when full of bees! We will need to erect a shed/hut for working in and storing equipment. We have already been given a sectional concrete garage that we hope to be able to utilise.

Bees need sources of nectar, pollen and water, so in addition to the bee breeding, the site will provide excellent habitats for other wildlife - a pond will provide habitat for newts, frogs, toads, dragonflies etc, and native trees, shrubs and flowering plants will provide nest sites and food for other insects and birds, as well as food and shelter for the bees. The open area around the hives will provide a basking area for reptiles, as it needs to catch the early sun.

Our native bumble bees and solitary bees have suffered a substantial drop in numbers in recent years too, and we will ensure that they will benefit from the site, by providing areas especially suited to their nesting requirements.

Once the site is established, we also hope to use it as an education centre, so that anyone can come along and learn about bees and the wildlife on the site. Hopefully we will inspire more people to take up beekeeping and to plant bee and wildlife friendly gardens.

It is our hope that where “green” technology can be used we will do so, we will need power, water and toilet facilities once the education side is possible – and maybe beforehand! Solar panels and a small wind turbine to provide power for lighting, or a water wheel if there is a suitable stream, solar water heating, a composting toilet - these are just some of the possibilities.

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW TO HELP THE BEES

First and most importantly – PLEASE USE AS LITTLE INSECTICIDE AND WEED KILLER AS POSSIBLE – and never use it on a warm sunny day when the bees are about! If you have to use an insecticide please check the label carefully, try to choose one that claims to not harm bees, then follow the directions very carefully, and only use these either very early or very late in the day – this is better for the plants too.

When choosing plants for your garden, as many of us do in the spring, please choose plants with simple, open flowers. Complex “double” flowered varieties of many plants do not produce nectar! Bees love most daisy-like flowers, and are fond of most herbs that flower, like thyme, rosemary and especially lavender. In my own garden they are very keen on herbs, passion flower and honeysuckle. Native plants are especially appreciated, even ones with insignificant flowers like the holly. Plants that flower very early, like crocuses and daffodils, and those that flower very late, like single flowered chrysanthemums and dahlias, can be life savers for bees, providing food when there is little else available.

If you can help with some land for us to use, or for more information, please ring Cliff Polton on 01425629007 or email cliff.polton@btconnect.com

For more information on beekeeping locally, visit www.newforestbeekeepers.org.uk, or www.britishbeekeepers.com , the website of the British Beekeepers Association.

Cliff Polton 01425 620062

Cliff Polton