From our Chair Cathy
I checked my hives today, and was shocked by how poor the honey stores were. I had paid a little less attention than usual because I had decided not to harvest honey. In early August both my hives had plenty of stores. Wasps were everywhere so I had closed the entrances to just wide enough for 2 bees. Apparently not narrow enough.
NBU had warned about starvation, and I had felt that by leaving all their honey my colonies would be well stocked. Please check your hives. There's still plenty of time to feed. But to have a viable colony in the Spring the winter bees must be strong and in sufficient numbers.
I have updates about the spread of Asian Hornets. A total of 86 nests have now been found this year. An increase on previous years and for the first time nests have been found in Yorkshire and Cheshire. There is also an ongoing investigation regarding Hornets spotted in Cork. More information will be available next month.
One serious consequence of this increase, in line with current DEFRA policy to eradicate all nests, is that the NBU teams are not routinely inspecting hives. They ask that as beekeepers we remain vigilant in inspecting for disease and reporting serious suspicion regarding abnormal findings. Although they are stretched thin they will respond to credible disease reports.
Below is an update on the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit’s (NBU) work against yellow-legged hornet (YLH), also known as Asian hornet, for the week ending 29th August. As of 28th August, the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit (NBU) informed us that they have received further credible reports of YLH’s. This means that currently there has been a total of 342 sightings in 2025.

Since the last update, twelve more nests have been discovered; Kent, Adisham, Capel le Ferne, Dover Castle, Plaxtol, Cranbrook, Ripple, Ospringe, Dover Central, Ivy Hatch, Wittersham, Langton North Yorkshire, Runcorn Cheshire
As of 28th August, 86 confirmed nests have been found this year. The NBU are following up the other credible reports and anticipate finding further nests.
A nest has now been found in Cork. APHA continues to liaise with the Irish authorities to provide support and guidance as they plan for the destruction of the nest.

Resources Defra is very grateful to all the staff in the Animal and Plant Health Agency and in particular the National Bee Unit (NBU) who are working on the response to YLH. Beekeepers and Yellow Legged Asian Hornet Teams have also provided very valuable support.

DEFRA continues to follow an eradication strategy by taking contingency action. Given the high number of nests, DEFRA has agreed that for the last 2 months of the 2025 season, NBU surveillance efforts should focus on the response to YLH. Deploying inspectors who have skills in recognising and tracking YLHs will allow nests to be rapidly found and destroyed. With respect to the bee health programme, the NBU will respond to reports of suspect disease, deal with confirmed cases of disease, conduct import controls and checks and carry out surveillance for exotic pests. We are asking beekeepers to continue monitoring their colonies for pests and diseases. Further guidance can be found here; Advisory leaflet Any beekeepers who think they have identified a suspect statutory pest or disease should contact the NBU, and where possible include photos of the suspect brood or pest.

From Gail Plester
I hope you have had a productive year. The weather has been challenging. We had a very wet start to the year followed by months of dry weather. The poor bees must have been so confused, but still managed to provide a harvest for most beekeepers.

Things to consider during September

• Harvest any remaining honey but remember to leave enough for the bees. 20 kg is normally the recommended stores necessary. The National Bee Unit has advice if needed. Also, the BBKA have articles on feeding to support new and experienced beekeepers.
• Consider Varroa Levels – check the drop and treat accordingly. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Treatment will not guarantee the bees will over winter safely, however a low varroa load will give them a better chance. If in doubt refer to the National Bee Unit for advice.
• Check hives are queenright and maybe mark / clip new queens if that is your practice.
• Combine weak colonies -defined as only on 4-5 frames during the height of the season. BBKA produces information on combining hives.
• Consider whether you are going to add a super for the winter, some beekeepers do.
• Wasps – have truly become troublesome this year, with plum and apple crops falling, so keep smaller entrances. I am sadly not the only local beekeeper who has lost a colony due to wasp infestation recently, even with reduced entrances.
• Weather- check hives for leaks and repair any faults. A number of us experienced floods in their apiaries earlier this year, this is now becoming a concern. Do check stands are secure and raise any hives at risk, maybe strap them down too.
• The branch monthly talks start this Wednesday 3rd September at The Sacred Heart Church Hall. The meetings take place throughout Autumn and Winter with a variety of speakers or presentations. This month is an informal discussion meeting, which provides a platform for members to exchange positive and negative issues related to the last beekeeping year. Such sessions are truly useful for new beekeepers, it allows the opportunity to discuss concerns with more experienced members.
• Equipment - Take time to repair and clean equipment for the following year.