Bee kind to hedgerows and swarms

A NUMBER of readers have been in contact regarding two related and timely issues — the plight of bees and the illegal destruction of hedgerows.

The situation facing bees globally continues to be well documented and Ireland is, of course, affected by the stock decimation. We once had about 18 species, that’s now down to three, according to studies, with loss of habitat being among the main reasons.

However, wild swarms can still be seen here from late April to the end of June. They normally emerge on warm days and settle for, perhaps, a few days before moving off. A swarm could settle anywhere.