More than 90 per cent of honey bee colonies survived from October 2013-March 2014 with all regions in England showing improvements, compared to losing a third of all colonies over the previous harsh winter of 2012/13.
The milder weather 2013/14 winter undoubtedly helped the colonies, the BBKA said, but is one of several factors that influenced the recent statistics. Bee husbandry is said to have improved with beekeeping associations providing training, education and skills improvement supported by Defra’s Healthy Bee Plan, which the NFU is involved in helping deliver.
BBKA president Dr David Aston said: “It is clear that beekeepers are doing their utmost to sustain and increase honey bee colonies through their skilled husbandry.”
The BBKA is continuing to push for even lower losses of colonies over the winter months, as the parasite Varroa and the associated viruses continue to be a problem for honey bees, as well as forage availability.
The BBKA also commented that the improved survival rates happened during a period when honey bees were still exposed to crops treated with neonicotinoid insecticides.
Like the NFU, they also wish to see further research on the actual effect of neonicotinoids on honey bees and other pollinators under real-life field situations.