Honeybee exhibition being held in an attempt to halt their decline

HONEYBEES are vanishing at an alarming rate all over the world and if the decline continues it could lead to a devastating impact on the world's food supply.

About one-third of human food is derived from insect-pollinated plants and the honeybee alone is responsible for 80 per cent of this pollination.

The value of honeybee pollination to UK agricultural economy is more than £160m every year.

At an attempt to halt this decline, Pinner & Ruislip Beekeepers' Association are putting on an exhibition for people to learn about honeybees and what they can do to help them and other pollinators.

The association exists to foster the art and science of beekeeping. It was formed in 1954 and in 1986 it was granted charitable status.

Penny Perry, the show secretary, said: "We encourage new people to take up beekeeping and give advice on how to manage colonies efficiently.

"Truly feral honeybees have died out in the UK so beekeepers play an important role in tending to the health and well-being of this valuable pollinator.

"Apart from acting as a social and educational group, we also provide services to the community ranging from advice to individuals, through to talks and demonstrations to interested societies, at shows and in schools.

"We are also frequently called upon to retrieve swarms from some very difficult locations."

Last year the UK's beekeepers reported colony losses averaging 30 to 50 per cent.

This decline is due to varroa mite parasites, urban development, changes in agricultural practices, use of pesticides and unseasonal bad weather.

Now a new phenomenon called 'colony collapse disorder' has recently hit hives in Europe and North America. Whole colonies of bees are simply disappearing and this has highlighted the crucial role that honeybees play in the food chain that brings fruit, vegetables and even meats to our dinner tables. Most of the world's crops depend on pollination by bees.

As bees travel from blossom to blossom in search of nectar, they transfer pollen from plant to plant. This fertilises the plants, enabling them to bear fruit or seeds and ensure that they can continue to multiply and survive thus contributing to 'biodiversity
conservation'.

The Honeybee Exhibition is being held at the Cow Byre gallery, in the Manor Farm complex, Bury Street, Ruislip, from November 15 to 21.

During this week the public will be able to attend various talks, learn all about bees and children can have fun making beeswax candles and colouring.

BBC news presenter Bill Turnbull, who is president of the beekeepers' association, will be attending the last day of the exhibition.

Uxbridge MP John Randall and the Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Shirley Harper-O'Neill, will also be attending.

The exhibition will be open from 10am to 4pm on November 15, 17 and 21 and from 10am to 9pm on November 18, 19 and 20.

The free one-hour talks on November 18 and 19 at 2pm and 7pm need to be booked by calling 01895 255 834.