Latest news with #InternationalWorldBeeDay
Belfast Telegraph
20-05-2025
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
More than 20 bee species face extinction in NI as crucial job role remains vacant since last year
That's according to a new report by conservation charity Buglife which highlighted the alarming extent of the problem which has been blamed on the absence of a bee inspectorate in the region. The warning comes on International World Bee Day and follows concerns expressed by the Ulster Beekeepers Association (UBKA) that the vital post has been vacant for too long. The last full-time bee inspector retired at the end of October 2024 and the part-time inspector role has been vacant since December 2024. The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) insists it 'is responding to recent reductions in inspectorate staff available for bee inspections' and confirmed a recruitment drive is under way. Co Down beekeeper Valentine Hodges — who has between 80 and 100 hives — described the situation as 'critical' and expressed anger and disappointment. 'We now are at a critical stage where, through lack of recruitment we have no bee inspectors,' she said. She added that if diseases are allowed to spread, it could have a domino effect on the food supply.
Daily Maverick
19-05-2025
- General
- Daily Maverick
The Chelsea Flower Show 2025, and more from around the world
Moving, tragic, surprising, inspiring, terrifying, shocking... This is a selection of images from our planet, over the past three days. Trainee beekeeping student Mandy Topping poses for a photograph at the Randalstown and District Beekeeper's Association apiary set in the private estate of Lord O'Neill at Shane's Castle on May 4, 2025 in Randalstown, Northern Ireland. Conservation Charity Buglife's recent report into the Bee population in Northern Ireland highlighted that many species in the country are in decline, with 21 species set to become extinct without intervention. Northern Ireland's honey bees are under threat due to the absence of a bee inspectorate since last year, according to the Ulster Beekeepers Association (UBKA). The bee inspector is responsible for supporting bee health, external and addresses diseases such as American foulbrood (AFB) and European foulbrood (EFB) which affect honey bees. Although beekeepers are responsible for reporting diseases within their own colonies, bee inspectors confirm notifiable diseases, contain outbreaks, inspect neighbouring hives, and advise on destroying affected colonies. Honeybees are also facing decline due to habitat loss, climate change, including the effects of extreme weather, parasites and diseases. This Tuesday, May 20th marks International World Bee Day. (Photo by). DM
