Although honey bees are remarkably resilient and adept at keeping their colony cool, most of the 270 native species – namely the bumble and solitary bees – have likely struggled. Unlike honey bees, these species don’t travel far so if nectar and pollen from plants and flowers are less abundant locally due to very hot, drought conditions this could hit their own food supply.
The festival, which joins forces with Bristol Beekeepers and takes place on the weekend of 5-6 September, features honey tastings, specialist talks, workshops, and more than a dozen different demonstrations including flight displays from a live hive.
Apiarist Paul Moorhouse, Chair of Avon Beekeepers Association, said: “Honey bees only account for less than 10% of pollination – it’s the many dozens of bumble and solitary native species which pollinate most crops. If these species suffer, their own food supply will be negatively affected and as they pollinate for around a third of what we eat, our food supplies will be down.
“Results of national surveys on honey production this year aren’t available yet. Anecdotally, spring has produced a strong yield of honey and the summer has also been good. The difference this year is that the nectar flow seems to have started and finished earlier than normal and the impact on all species of bee is uncertain. Honey bees have the advantage they can travel a few miles to reach a good source of nectar
“But the 270 or so other species of bees in the UK tend to forage much more locally and could therefore have been impacted significantly, especially in parts of the country which have experienced prolonged excess heat and drought conditions.”
Although the scorching temperatures have proved challenging for beekeepers, the ingenious honey bee hasn’t come unstuck.
Paul said: “Inspecting hives in a sealed bee suit is no fun in 35 degrees! Fortunately, honey bees themselves seem to have coped better. They cleverly manage the climate of their colony by collecting water and spreading it on the combs to evaporate, creating a cooling effect. They also ventilate the excess moisture using their wings to create air currents
“At average UK temperatures, the cooling can largely be achieved by the evaporation of water from nectar, but this summer bees have been resourceful as ever by visiting ponds and other sources of water. Collection of water is something that is normally only seen in the spring when they collect water to dilute winter stores of honey to consume and fuel their spring build-up.”
The event next month will also play host to Bristol Beekeepers’ 98th Annual Honey Show, which attracts experts and enthusiasts at all levels from across the region. They will be competing for the coveted Bristol Silver Queen trophy awarded to the entrant who excels most in honey wax and mead craftmanship.
Jean Vernon, author of best-selling book ‘The Secret Life of bees’, will be leading a bee safari around the garden as well as sharing insights about native bumble and solitary bees. Award-winning Bristol wildlife filmmaker Dr Steve Nicholls is giving a talk on ‘Dragonflies, Damselflies, Darters and Chasers.’ Other talks will cover topics such as the importance of pollinators in farming and agroforestry, the transformative role of beekeeping, and the power of bees globally.
Avon Organic Group is poised to offer tips on growing fresh produce and local nurseries are on hand to answer questions and give advice on plant health. People of all ages will be able to try their hand at willow making and plants, seeds, honey, beeswax candles and clay pots are among the souvenirs on sale.
Biologists, ecologists, entomologists, and conservationists at the University of Bristol conduct pioneering research into flora and fauna, studying a wide range of different aspects including pollinator insect populations, land management, and ecosystems.
Nick Wray Curator of the University of Bristol Botanic Garden said: “The importance of insects as pollinators in maintaining healthy ecosystems and agricultural systems is well understood. Insects’ alarming population decline affects us all and is the subject of pioneering research and changes in land management here at the University, which is helping to improve habitats for all insects.
“This year’s Bee and Pollination Festival brings together science and research with a focus on Asian Hornet and beekeepers to provide a stimulating event for everyone, together with exhibits and live demonstrations, workshops and children’s trails. What’s good for pollinators is good for people’s wellbeing too – flowers, interesting people to engage with, lots of plants and a beautiful garden – so come along and enjoy the festival!”
Entry costs £10 (£11 with Gift Aid) for adults and is free for under 18s, students and Friends of the Garden and the festivities run daily over the weekend from 10am until 5pm. Entry on door and in advance available, for more information and/or to book visit https://botanic-garden.bristol.ac.uk/event/bee-pol-26/
Avon Beekeepers Association is the charity which encompasses Bristol Beekeepers as well as Bath, Keynsham, North Somerset and Weston-super-Mare branches.