A new tool has been developed to help make it easier for farmers to inform beekeepers directly of their intention to spray insecticides on particular fields.
The website, BeeConnected, launches today and was developed by The Voluntary Initiative (VI), a body whose Steering Group and Water Sub-group features the GWCT’s Jim Egan and Chris Stoate respectively.
The National Farmers Union (NFU), the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) and the Crop Protection Association (CPA) have also all been heavily involved with the website’s development.
VI Chairman Richard Butler said this of the new tool:
“BeeConnected operates on a very simple, yet efficient, two-way process whereby farmers identify their fields and, in just a few clicks, are able to inform local beekeepers when they intend to spray an insecticide in particular fields. Beekeepers plot the location of their hives, and will then receive a notification ahead of when a farmer within their locality is planning to undertake a spray event.”
The view from the farm
Andrew Watts, a farmer with 2250 hectares of combinable crops and grassland in North East Hertfordshire, was a participant in the tool’s successful pilot scheme. He agrees that BeeConnected is a vital tool when it comes to improving communication between farmers and beekeepers.
“The countryside is a shared place, and beekeepers need farmers as much as farmers need beekeepers. It’s a two-way process, and anything that improves the communication there – as BeeConnected does – is a good thing.”
A beekeeper’s perspective
Mat Smith, a beekeeper based in Bishop Stortford also took part in the pilot. He noted that the website was a big improvement on the Spray Liaison Officer (SLO) system of communication.
“The current SLO system isn’t always effective,” he says, “The BeeConnected website is an excellent tool that can improve both bee health and relations between beekeepers and farmers.
“Honey bees are hugely beneficial to both their keepers, farmers and the larger population as a whole, and open communication between farmers and beekeepers can only be a good thing.”
“It was very easy to set up, and the alerts came through in time for me to take action to protect my bees,” he concludes, “I can’t think of any reason for beekeepers not to use this service!”
Mr Butler adds: “This is a great opportunity for all farmers and beekeepers nationwide to improve their communications, for a mutual benefit. We encourage all farmers and beekeepers to make full use of the site and register by visiting www.beeconnected.org.uk.”