Beekeepers are suffering the lowest ever honey harvest caused by severe rains and cold weather
The British Bee Keepers Association (BBKA) has published an annual survey announcing a drastic 72 per cent drop in the honey harvest compared to last year. The survey reveals a dramatic decline from an annual average of 30 pounds of honey per hive to only 8 pounds per hive this year. The rain and cold weather is to blame along with poor summer weather leading to long term devastation throughout the year as the normal process of queen production has been hampered.
Peter Hutton, a BBKA Adopt a Beehive beekeeper from Tunbridge Wells said: ''It has been the most difficult year I have known in my 53 years of beekeeping, bad weather in spring prevented honey bees in many areas from collecting nectar from early flower crops such as oil seed rape. The rain then continued in many places throughout June and July preventing honey bees from foraging on later crops''
London has been hit hardest with only 5.6 pounds of honey per hive whereas the average annual harvest is 25.8 pounds per hive. The lack of forage for the bees has worsened the situation in cities.
The BBKA has issued a starvation warning to help bees survive. Beekeepers are appealed to check honey colonies and ensure adequate honey storage for the upcoming months. Skilled beekeepers have played a fundamental role in reducing the difficult beekeeping situation, as Tom Lovett, past President of the BBKA commented:''Well trained beekeepers are better equipped to deal with the adverse conditions we have seen this year. Without training, this year’s situation might be a lot worse''
To help protect bees further, the BBKA is running a scheme to encourage people to become an “armchair beekeeper”. A welcome pack of bee goodies and seasonal updates from local Adopted beekeeper are available for those who adopt a beehive. The BBKA is also supporting research projects with funding. Parts of financially supported projects include cooperation with University of Sussex and University of Keele. For more information, please visit: www.adotabeehive.com
