news story

8th August 2008

MP Meets Local Beekeepers to Discuss Concerns over Bee Numbers

Steve Webb MP inspecting a local hive with members of the South Gloucestershire Beekeeping Association. Photo by Peter Grudgings

Concerned by the drastic fall in bee colonies in this country and in many others, Northavon MP Steve Webb sought to find out the facts by attending this month's meeting of the South Gloucestershire Beekeepers Association.

The event took place at the Cromhall home of Len Richards and was attended by about 20 members of the association as well as others who are interested in becoming bee keepers.

The MP was provided with full protective clothing by Tytherington beekeeper Peter Grudgings and joined in as members inspected Len Richards' hives under the expert guidance of Jeff Bee. There was plenty of time for questions about the best way to ensure a healthy bee population and some discussion of the reasons for the worldwide collapse in bee numbers.

Steve Webb was told that there is no universally accepted explanation for these trends and that more research is urgently needed. The MP took away a copy of the book "A world without bees" to study over the summer and to inform him in his work as the Environment spokesman for the Lib Dems in Parliament.

Commenting on his visit, Steve Webb said:

"I was most grateful to the South Gloucestershire Beekeepers Association for allowing me to join their monthly meeting. I have been aware for some time of the growing concerns over falling bee numbers and this was a valuable opportunity to meet local experts to find out more about the issue".

South Gloucestershire Beekeepers Association run a "free bees" scheme to encourage members to start keeping their own bees. The association provides a hive, bees, equipment and mentoring to those who have expressed an interest by attending a series of meetings.