Mark Hobday will host a video presentation about the next threat that may visit British beekeeping
Location: Littlebourne War Memorial Hall, 56 High St, Littlebourne, Canterbury CT3 1ST
Date/Time: Wednesday 4th March at 1930-2130
The days are lengthening, so it’s time to start thinking about preparations for Spring, and in particular keeping on top of the yellow-legged hornet. The meeting will be at Littlebourne Village Hall, (the lounge) at 7.30-9.30pm, led by Mark Hobday. Below are Mark’s notes on the evening.
This will be the 3rd time of presenting this subject, so I am going to change the format by showing you a large chunk of a recent Zoom talk given by Professor Stephen Martin to the Scottish Beekeepers about the biology, pests and control of both the European and Yellow Legged Hornet…interesting and concerning…
In addition, I will briefly cover last years “stats” and explain how we hope to trial the new Buzz Copper V2, an AI camera trap aimed at remote detection of YLHs by “radio wireless” technology.
The Branch has purchased Trappit bait for all existing and new “trappers” & additionally 40 VespaCatch Select for new volunteer trappers. Bait and traps will be free issued on 4th Feb.
BRING A PLASTIC BOTTLE FOR YOUR BAIT!
In my opinion, 2026 will be the “make or break” year for the effective control of this species. The National Bee Unit rely completely on our and the general public’s reports of hornet sightings to enable them to enact the only proven “control measure”, nest destruction. Please attend on the 4th Feb. If you can’t, I will endeavour to be present at future meetings to dish out more Trappit!
Mark Hobday
Yellow Legged Asian Hornet Co-ordinator for Canterbury Beekeepers
we will meet on 5ht November, 7.30-9.30pm to review the year, make plans for 2026, and elect a committee to organise us in the coming year.
Venue: The Lounge in Littlebourne Village Hall, High St, Littlebourne, Canterbury CT3 1ST, UK
we will meet on 1st October, 7.30-9.30pm to discuss (and taste) products of the hive. Bring along small pots of this season’s honey crops, and we will do a taste comparison, as well as hearing how beeswax can be used in the kitchen, and for candlemaking.
Venue: The Lounge in Littlebourne Village Hall, High St, Littlebourne, Canterbury CT3 1ST, UK
Debbie Burton is hosting us at her home in Sanford near Folkestone, from 2-4.30pm on Saturday 2nd August. We have 4 or 5 supers to extract from our Palmsted apiary, so expect to get sticky!
Full joining instructions are included in the recent email to all members, including the important w3w locations, and parking instructions. If you didn’t get this, please contact us at mailto:secretary@canterburybeekeepers.org.uk
On this occasion, as a courtesy to our hostess, please let us know before 6pm on Friday if you are attending. As usual, bring clean beesuits, and no leather gloves. If you need to borrow PPE, let us know ahead of time.