CATEGORY - Bees

They are concern, important and are cropping up. Hence this category.

Articles (note BEES link to further ones on this blog in 'Labels' below)

Guardian - Why bees are the most invaluable species

Info

PR from DEFRA (E&EO):

BEEKEEPERS BUZZING AS MORE REGISTER ON NATIONAL DATABASE

The number of beekeepers has grown over the last year, according to the National Bee Unit, which runs BeeBase, the national beekeepers’ database.

More than 1,500 new beekeepers have registered on BeeBase this year and much of this has been attributed to the increased publicity on bee health, leading to more people donning bee suits and picking up smokers for the first time.

Bee health Minister Lord Davies [no, really - Ed] said:

“This is great news – more beekeepers are registering on BeeBase. This entitles them to the free inspection service offered by the National Bee Unit and ensures that they are able to keep up to date on disease developments.

“It is encouraging that more people appear to be taking up beekeeping and taking up bee health training opportunities. By working with all beekeepers we can collaborate to improve bee health.”

The BeeBase database was constructed in 1991 and made live in 1992. It holds data on all the inspections made by staff of the NBU as well as laboratory samples submitted by beekeepers. BeeBase allows beekeepers to access their own apiary, diagnostic histories and details over the web. It also provides information on the functional activities of the NBU, legislation, pests and diseases including their recognition and control, interactive maps, current research areas, publications, advisory leaflets and key contacts. The database also allows beekeepers to request a free apiary visit from a local inspector who will provide help and advice.

More information on the National Been Unit is available at www.nationalbeeunit.com,
(won't work - try this: http://www.nationalbeeunit.com/) and the Government’s Healthy Bees plan can be found here.