Plan to save threatened honey bees

Managed honeybee colonies fell by over 50 per cent between 1985 and 2005 according to a study carried out by the University of Reading

A plan to safeguard endangered pollinator populations has been proposed by the Welsh Government.

Environment Minister John Griffiths produced the Action Plan for Pollinators in Wales as honeybees and hoverflies become increasingly threatened. For 30 years the varroa mite has spread diseases destroying colonies.

20 per cent of crops are pollinator dependent with a value to the UK economy of £430m annually, according to the Plan.

A workshop last week discussed what needs to be achieved. It hopes to make Wales more ‘pollinator friendly’ and work closely with beekeeping associations.

Griffiths said, “Their views and expertise will be crucial in helping to shape this Action Plan which is the first of its kind in the UK.” The Action Plan will be launched in early 2013.

Views from the Welsh Government workshop

The workshop at Aberystwyth University last week shared the current findings of the Action Plan with key partners and to consult with them on what the priorities should be moving forward.

Representatives of Friends of the Earth Cymru, the Welsh Beekeepers’ Association (WBKA) and Wildlife Trusts attended the workshop. They have all expressed their enthusiasm and support for the Action Plan.

Retired ecologist Wally Shaw, Technical Officer of the WBKA, attended the workshop. He understates the level of decline in honeybee populations; the membership of the 19 associations of the WBKA has more than doubled with each one keeping their own hive.

He says the concern for the WBKA is the losses sustained in winter. Where 10% of a hive is normally lost in colder conditions, recent losses have been as high as 25%. Shaw hopes the Action Plan will promote environmentally friendly practices in Wales to protect pollinators.

This issue was raised by Tim Bevan of The National Botanic Garden of Wales. He states, “There is evidence to suggest that wild pollinators need a varied landscape with a good succession of flowering plants over the season.” More effort should be taken to make habitats flower rich.

Friends of the Earth Cymru launched The Bee Cause promoting the implementation of an Action Plan all over the UK. The petition highlights how important bees are to the UK’s food supply, economy and quality of life.