South Wexford Beekeepers Association Offers Beginner's Course to Combat Threat of Asian Hornet
In a bid to safeguard native bee populations and address the looming threat posed by the Asian hornet, the South Wexford Beekeepers Association (SWBA) is launching a beginner's course for aspiring beekeepers. Scheduled to commence on Wednesday, February 28, the seven-week course will unfold at Johnstown Castle, requiring a fee of €100 per participant.
The course welcomes individuals keen on understanding the pivotal role honeybees play in our ecosystem, offering a comprehensive curriculum comprising lectures, visual aids, and hands-on beekeeping demonstrations. Setting the stage for this educational endeavor, the SWBA convened its inaugural meeting for the 2024 season at Johnstown Castle on January 11. At the gathering, Chairman Matt Wheeler shed light on the potential menace posed by the Asian hornet to bees and beekeeping communities in Wexford.
While the Asian hornet has yet to infiltrate Irish borders, its invasive presence has wreaked havoc on bee populations across mainland Europe since its incursion into France in 2004.
Matt emphasized, "We are formulating a proactive strategy to swiftly address any potential incursion of this pest onto our shores. The escalating number of nest discoveries in England is indeed cause for concern."
Despite grappling with the specter of the Asian hornet and contending with a dampened honey yield due to the inclement weather of 2023, the SWBA remains resolute in its commitment to fostering beekeeping excellence.
Reflecting on the past year, Matt remarked, "Despite the challenges posed by the wet climate, 2023 was marked by significant achievements, including a surge in membership numbers. As we gear up for the upcoming season, we are diligently orchestrating an engaging calendar of events, featuring informative talks, enriching excursions, our acclaimed beginner's course, and the much-anticipated autumn honey festival."
For individuals interested in enrolling in the beginner's course or seeking additional information, please reach out to James Hogan at 087 655 5181 or Mairead Esmonde at 087 246 0104.
This initiative not only nurtures budding beekeepers but also underscores the collective responsibility to safeguard our precious bee populations from emerging threats. Join us in this vital endeavor to preserve the invaluable contributions of honeybees to our environment and agricultural ecosystems.
