Page 38 - link magazine

Gardening

Swindon Super Bees could save the world

after bee man’s second big discovery

It’s estimated that 80 per cent of simply means beekeepers intervene
the world’s food production relies on to keep them in check, but at the
bees to pollinate flowers, but varroa same time weakening the bees. Most
mite parasites are weakening bee feral colonies have been killed by
populations resulting in the loss of the mite. I’ve not used chemicals
tens of thousands of beehives each for over 20 years since finding that
year in the UK, Europe and the USA. special queen and proved she had a
However Ron Hoskins and the unique ability to breed what I call
Swindon Honeybee Conservation ‘hygienic bees.’
Group have discovered how to “Since then we’ve carried out a
combat varroa infestation without selective breeding programme of
resorting to using chemicals. queen bees which lay eggs which
In 1994 Ron found a queen bee develop into bees which have strong
with a genetic mutation in one of his hygienic behaviour in their genes.
hives. It meant she was producing From the original queen we now
bees which were grooming each have well over 100 hives which have
other to rid themselves of mites. very low infestation.”
He said: “The varroa mite became The group’s success has been Ron Hoskins, giving close attention to saving honeybees
a major problem to beekeepers in widely reported amongst beekeepers
1992. The advice to beekeepers from and in the national and local media. a wound in the larval bee’s body to However, the pioneering work
the Department of Agriculture is to But Ron’s second discovery in 2015 provide blood for baby mites to feed by Ron and his colleagues Eddy
use chemicals and the producers has yet to be widely covered. off. As all bee larvae moult several Eggleston, Glen Head and Ron Hill
are keen on this. But chemicals Though varroa mites are parasites times as they develop in the cell the is being limited and even put in
cannot eradicate the mites; it they don’t actually kill bees, but adult mite must keep the wound jeopardy because they are denied
they spread viruses which do destroy open for her young. One of the baby government grants or support from
TWIGS Community Gardens them. “The main killer is Deformed mites is a male which will mate universities. Despite being very
Open Day Wing Virus (DWV TypeA), spread with his sisters and then dies. experienced beekeepers they are not
Sunday 19 June, 11am to 4pm by the blood sucking mites which “Bees have an acute sense of regarded as scientists.
Manor Garden Centre SN2 2QJ occupy the cells in the hive where smell and by close observation Ron has just had his eighty-fifth
Plants and crafts for sale. the queen lays her eggs,” said Ron. we discovered that they were birthday and other members of the
£2 for adults, £1.50 concs; children free “The adult female varroa, having identifying the larval cells where group are all over the age of 50.
The gardens are available to hire for parties already mated, enters the bee there was an odour coming from Their passion, expertise and skills
or other events. For details call 01793 523294 larval cell before it is capped over. the wound. could be lost if their discoveries are
or email: [email protected] There she lays her eggs and makes “Bees were removing these larvae not developed further.
from the hive before they fully Ron commented: “The struggle
developed and could spread a to get funding is so frustrating.
disease. We’re all unpaid volunteers and it’s
“The Swindon Super Bees have amazing that, with the problems
been studied by virologists who the world is facing from bee colony
declared that our bees have a Super collapse and the implications that
Infection Exclusion Virus (SIEV) or has on food production, we cannot
DWV (TypeB) which means they are get money to further our work.
immune to the deadly DWV (TypeA) We’ve been to places like the
killer virus. National Environmental Research
“The report of their research Council which is based in Swindon
into our bees was published in the but have been turned down.”
journal Nature and was featured in Read the full story and find a link
a ten minute film presented by Chris to Chris Packham’s BBC film about
Packham on the BBC in October the conservation group’s work at:
2015.” www.bit.ly/Swindonbeeresearch

Fun for families at Studley Grange
There are lots of baby lambs and for paper crafters with everything
kids waiting to meet you at Studley needed to make beautiful gifts or
Grange Craft Village, Butterfly World items for the home. The Dolls House
and Farm Park, near Wroughton. Workshop is also a place for your
Watch them skipping about and imagination to run riot.
give them a cuddle; they’re sure to Close by is the tropical house
put a smile on your face. where you can come close to
There is also the latest arrival, graceful and colourful butterflies.
Rigby the raccoon, as well as many The Butterfly Cafe is a great place
small animals to learn about, to enjoy a snack or main meal,
especiallly at feeding times. freshly prepared on site.
There are an array of retail units See the advert for Studley Grange
to explore and the chocolate shop is Craft Village and Butterfly World on
proving very popular. page 26 or visit:
Sparkle Dreams is a one stop shop www.studleygrange.co.uk
38 swindonlink.com n June 2016

June 2016 Master Pages.indd 38 20/05/2016 12:28