At this time, I think of the effect of Covid 19 as it has had an impact on all our lives. The loved ones, the friends, and acquaintances we have lost from our lives over the last 21/22 months. The way we lived before and what was normal in our lives, let’s hope it returns to […]
Recent months have seen one confirmed finding of Asian Hornet here in Ireland with two possible but as of yet unconfirmed sightings. In last December’s IBA webinar, https://youtu.be/puYNYbNsNjc we were fortunate to have John De Carteret and Alaistair Christie from Jersey, provide us with their experiences and knowledge on dealing with this apex predator. This […]
Wild Honeybees Project by Chiara Binetti Feral bees in a tree Apis mellifera mellifera, the only native honeybee subspecies in Ireland, was once feared extinct in the wild. Some of the causes of this loss are parasitism by Varroa destructor, habitat loss, and the effects of agricultural pesticides. The major threat of extinction is hybridisation […]
Book review – Why do we need Bees? by Katie Daynes (reviewed by Declan Magee) “Why do we need bees?” This is an attractive hard backed colourful book for 4 to 6 year olds – but see below. The lift-the-flap format keeps young hands and minds interested and active, and the contents are accurate and […]
WASPS! by Colette O’Connell This is the time of year when the public takes note of an increase in the number of wasps coming into their homes. Queens have ceased their laying and mated queens are looking for safe crevices, such as roofs (even roofs of beehives), in which to spend the winter months in […]