Greenbelt Takes Action to Save Bee Colony Following our recent celebration of World Bee Day, Greenbelt has sprung into action to save a new colony of bees in Torquay. A homeowner on our Primrose Hill development had spotted what he thought was a wasp nest in the young hedge at the front of his house. As this was next to a path often used by walkers and their dogs, he alerted our Customer Care team. Sooh Boocock, our Regional Operations Manager (South Wales and South West), was quickly on the scene. “It's a bit early in the year for wasps to be swarming, which is usually around July,” says Sooh, “but it is the perfect time for bees to be splitting colonies and young queens to be out looking for new homes. “I identified them as honey bees and so sourced Gary Willis, the Abbotskerswell Beekeeper, who was happy to meet me on site. The bees were soon moving into his transport box, ready to be taken to a new home.” Gary has since shared with us pictures of the happy bees, who are now about to go into their permanent home. He notes: “Bees reproduce by splitting the hive in two with one half of the bees and the queen departing the hive looking for a new home. This is known as ‘swarming’. “Prior to leaving the hive the bees will stock up on honey, which will last them the move and help set up their new home. The first place they go to is a temporary home – in this case the low bush – while they will send out scouts to find their more permanent home. Most of the time when we see a swarm it is likely they will only be in place for a day or two before moving on. “Swarms are very rarely a danger to anyone as their main interest is setting up a new home and they are packed to the gunnels with honey so not in the mood for a fight. They will not attack but will respond, if provoked, so please treat them with respect and leave them alone. “Only around 20% of natural swarms survive in the wild and therefore it is recommended you call a local beekeeper to remove one. Please do not get a pest control company to kill them! A beekeeper will not normally charge for swarm removal but may do if the situation calls for it. “The swarm in the picture thankfully played ball and were in the box within 30 minutes but most swarms are a little more tricky. “The bees are now at my house where they will be quarantined, treated for disease and pests before being placed in a brand new home close by. A success!” Previous article: Greenbelt plant 70 trees in honour of Her Majesty’s Jubilee Prev Next article: Celebrating World Bee Day 2022 Next