BeeConnected is a simple and effective tool that allows farmers to inform local beekeepers of their intention to apply an insecticide.
Easy to use, bee farmers and beekeepers can register on the site and plot the location of their hives. Farmers and spray operators can register on the site, identify their fields and in just a few simple clicks, notify beekeepers within a 5 km radius when they intend to use an insecticide in a particular field. This communication can either be anonymous, or be used to establish links between local farmers and beekeepers.
Chris Hartfield, bee health specialist at the NFU said:
“This is a great opportunity for all farmers and spray operators across the country. Once they register for BeeConnected they will be automatically notified of beehives in their area and will be able to update their communications with beekeepers accordingly.”
Gloucestershire farmer James Cox has signed up to BeeConnected and promotes its benefits to both food production and environmental stewardship. Read more about his experience and involvement with the register.
BeeConnected is delivered by the Voluntary Initiative and is supported by both the NFU and the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA).
Tim Lovett of the BBKA:
“BeeConnected is an important step forward in communication between farmers and beekeepers. The scheme is based on a proposal put forward by the BBKA to bring spray-alerting into the 21st century. The launch of BeeConnected is most timely and we hope that all beekeepers will register and take part.”