EMMA RODDICK MSP CALLS FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS ON NEW RISK TO BEES

Emma has shared information from the Scottish Government on the Asian Hornet following a meeting with local bee experts.  The local representative is calling for the public to educate themselves on the dangers posed to local bee populations and teach themselves how to spot this insect and tell it apart from native species.

The Asian Hornet is a new threat to beekeeping that has made its way into the UK, having been found in Southern England in recent years. The Scottish Government has issued guidance in the Bee Health Report for the public to notify experts if they think they have spotted a non-native hornet species. Bee Health Report – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Emma met with Ann Chilcott, a local beekeeper in Nairnshire, who is an expert on honey bees, to see the colonies she manages at her home and hear about the work that goes into beekeeping.

Speaking after meeting, Emma said:

“It is clear when speaking to beekeepers such as Ann that a lot of work goes into beekeeping.  When folk with the extensive knowledge and experience to do this work take up beekeeping, the benefits are clear: local, fresh honey is available, bees thrive, and our biodiversity is strengthened.  Any imported threats to native bee populations should therefore be limited wherever and however possible.

“The Asian Hornet may well be making its way up the UK and, while not a risk to humans, could pose a threat to bees and our Scottish Bee Health Strategy.  Contingency planning will be most successful when the general public are able to provide information on any sightings of this invasive species.

“There is an app Ann recommends called Asian Hornet Watch, which you can download to your phone and use to make sure you are armed with the knowledge and imagery to spot and report these insects should they make their way to Scotland.

“The Scottish Government is asking the public to report any sightings of non-native hornet species due to the risk they pose to bees as well as other insects.  I hope that fellow Highlands and Islands bee-lovers will take on this important role.”

The app can be downloaded on Android and Apple.