Beekeepers Witness Record Hive Losses After Extreme Winter Weather in England

Beekeepers across the South West of England are reporting unusually high losses of bee colonies following an exceptionally wet and mild winter. Many experienced beekeepers say the scale of the decline is unprecedented, raising concerns about the health of bee populations and the factors affecting their survival.

Several beekeepers in the region have described the situation as devastating, with entire hives disappearing or dying over the winter months. Early reports suggest that the number of losses this year could be far higher than in previous seasons.

Personal Losses Highlight the Crisis

One of the most striking cases comes from Dennis Kennedy, a hobbyist beekeeper who keeps bees at Lukesland Gardens in Ivybridge. Out of his 11 hives, only one survived the winter. The remaining colonies either died or “absconded,” a phenomenon where bees abandon their hive and fly away in search of better conditions. Kennedy described this year as the worst he has experienced since he began keeping bees.

He also noted that other hobbyist beekeepers in the area are facing similar problems, with some reporting even greater losses. These shared experiences suggest that the decline is not limited to a single location but is affecting a large part of the region.

Losses Far Above Acceptable Levels

Bee colony losses during winter are not unusual, but they typically remain within manageable levels. A survey conducted last year by the British Beekeeping Association found that most beekeepers consider winter losses of around 15 percent to be acceptable. However, recent figures show that losses have been rising beyond that level. Nationwide data from last winter indicates that the average loss of colonies was just under 25 percent.

Regional figures show similar trends in the South West, while the South East experienced the highest losses, with nearly 30 percent of colonies disappearing. 

Official data for the current winter will not be released until August, but many beekeepers believe the figures will be significantly worse than last year.

Wet Weather a Major Factor

Experts believe the unusually wet winter may be a key reason behind the sharp increase in bee losses. The South West experienced persistent rainfall throughout the season, limiting bees’ ability to carry out essential activities.

Ashley Tod, who runs Dartmoor Beekeeping and has more than 13 years of experience, described this year’s losses as unusual compared with previous winters. According to him, prolonged rain prevents bees from leaving their hives to perform “cleansing flights,” which are necessary for maintaining their health. Without these flights, bees cannot remove waste from their bodies, which can lead to illness within the colony.

Lack of Foraging Threatens Colony Survival

Another major challenge caused by the wet weather is the lack of foraging opportunities. Bees depend on early spring pollen as a vital source of protein for developing brood, the young bees inside the hive. When bad weather prevents bees from collecting enough pollen, the colony struggles to raise healthy new bees. This weakens the hive and reduces its chances of surviving the winter.

Weather records underline how extreme the conditions were. Cornwall experienced its wettest winter on record, while the Met Office station at North Wyke in Devon recorded 40 consecutive wet days between 31 December and 8 February. Such prolonged wet conditions significantly restrict bee activity and can place severe stress on colonies.

Long-Time Beekeepers Sound the Alarm

The scale of the problem has surprised even veteran beekeepers. Alasdair Bruce, chair of the East Devon Beekeepers Association, has been keeping bees for around 30 years and says he has never seen losses this severe. This winter, he estimates that he has lost about 80 percent of his colonies. Concerned by the situation, he contacted other members of the association to compare experiences.

The responses revealed that many beekeepers across East Devon had suffered similar losses, indicating a drastic drop in the number of colonies that survived the winter. Although the wet winter appears to be a major factor, experts say it may not be the only reason for the decline. Bee diseases, parasites, and nearby farming practices may also be contributing to the losses. These combined pressures can weaken colonies and make them more vulnerable to harsh weather conditions.

The decline in bee colonies is worrying not only for beekeepers but also for ecosystems and agriculture. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating crops and wild plants, helping maintain biodiversity and food production.

References:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1kgx31zypmo

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7712510

https://www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare/beekeeping

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