You may or may not be aware, but the Asian Hornet is gaining a strong foothold in this country after a small number of forays in previous years.

At the time of writing this email there have been over 50 Asian hornet nests found in the UK in 2023, mostly in the vicinity of ports. Most recently in Sovereign Harbour Eastbourne. This is more than the total found in previous years!

Asian Hornets are an invasive species brought into to Bordeaux in a packing case from China some 20 years ago.
They are now endemic in France and much of Europe.

Although there have been relatively few sightings in the UK over the last decade or so, DEFRA have managed to keep on top of things (we believe) but there has been a dramatic increase this last year.

Asian Hornets have transformed the world of Beekeeping in France decimating many apiaries and other insect populations. They have also caused many human fatalities.

The BBKA (British Beekeeping Association) are really upping their efforts to communicate the problem too. They are even spending £15k for advertisements on the back of buses

The only way to reduce the devastating impact that these insects have on honeybee colonies is to find the nests, and this can only be done by educating our largest resource - the general public.

The following links show where the sightings have been made so far:

2023 Asian Hornet Sightings

· Click <<- here ->>

2023 Map of confirmed sightings

· Click <<- here ->>

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